Millington (Tenn.) Central High School girls’ basketball coach Jason Nichols has been placed on leave while the school district investigates accusations of inappropriate conduct between the coach and student-athletes. Some parents have proceeded to press charges while the investigation is ongoing.
According to WREG, parents who have spoken out accuse the coach of inappropriately touching players’ legs, getting into bed with them at away games and shaking hands as one parent described “the middle finger or index finger was used to rub the inside of the palm, which made it a handshake of sexual intent.”
The Commercial Appeal reported that Nichols has also been accused of grabbing a player around the neck and waist, and that “Coach Nichols would also make inappropriate comments, including offhand remarks like ‘licking someone's stitches.’”
The coach was placed on administrative leave on April 8, 2025, and the superintendent of Millington Schools, James Griffin, released a statement confirming that the matter is being investigated. He said, “We will take further action as appropriate once the investigation is complete. We take this matter very seriously.”
The statement continued, “Appropriate steps are being taken and the employee is not participating in any school-related events or activities, on or off campus.”
The school district opened a Title IX investigation based on the allegations against Nichols. According to WREG, Millington police were present at the high school last week and spoke with Nichols before he was placed on leave.
Some parents have expressed concern with these proceedings as Title IX policy dictates that all parties will be provided the evidence. They take this to mean that Nichols will “receive copies of the players’ statements with their names listed.” Meanwhile, other parents have expressed doubt that the school is supporting the student-athletes. Those families told the Commercial Appeal that their children will be transferring to other schools.
