Three weeks after the head football coach of Roanoke Rapids (N.C.) High School, Chris Lyons, was suspended for allowing hazing to proliferate under his watch, an investigation has concluded and reinstated him to his position.
According to WRAL News, the investigation ruled that the student’s severe injury was an “unfortunate accident” and found no evidence that he was aware of misconduct that rose to the level of hazing.
Related: Coach Suspended After Football Player Loses Finger in Alleged Hazing Incident
First responders were called to Roanoke Rapids High School on Sept. 24th after receiving reports of a student with a “severe hand injury.” The student-athlete was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery. The student-athlete, later identified as 15-year-old Adrian Epperson, suffered several broken bones and lost a portion of his finger.
"The evidence does not substantiate any intentional act to harm the student with the door nor was the student in the act of being assaulted at the time of the injury," the district said following the investigation. “We will continue to support our injured student-athlete and his family as he recovers. We will continue to cooperate with the RRPD and the SBI as they conduct their own investigation."
Lyons said in a statement, “I would like to express my appreciation for the thorough investigation that the RRGSD administration completed and releasing its findings as soon as possible. I also want to continue to express my support and assistance to the injured athlete in his recovery. This has been a difficult and challenging time for our football program, my family, and all families involved. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my family throughout this process.”
Epperson’s family continues to disagree with the investigation’s findings, saying that the school district has not addressed the “seriousness of what happened.”
Along with reinstating Lyons, the school district said it would require a bullying and hazing course for all coaches through the North Carolina High School Athletics Association.
