A high school football coach in Utah has resigned following an investigation into allegations that he verbally and emotionally abused some of his players.
According to KPCW, Jody Morgan resigned after an attorney hired by the Wasatch County School District failed to find evidence of abuse by Morgan.
In a statement, the district said that although Morgan will no longer be coaching, he’ll remain a teacher in the district. He will be assigned to a different school.
The statement said that the outside investigation did not find bullying or other violations of state law, adding that because the allegations weren't substantiated the report would not be released to the public.
However, the district said the allegations “were clearly brought in good faith and raised legitimate concerns.” It did not specify the nature of those concerns.
A parent who claimed Morgan bullied his son said he was disgusted by the district's handling of the matter.
“I don’t understand how you come to that conclusion,” the parent said.
That father said the decision sent a message that district leaders don’t listen when students raise concerns about an adult’s behavior.
Another parent claimed the school covered up Morgan's behavior.
“The school completely discredited a student’s firsthand, honest admission of this type of bullying and harassment, and then the school turned around and covered [it] up,” he said.
According to the district statement, assistant football coach Derik Bringhurst has been appointed interim head coach. The district said it will post the open position immediately but did not mention a hiring timeline.
