A fight at an off-site high school football training camp in South Carolina has prompted an investigation — potentially aided by video of the incident that has been circulating on social media,
WYFF in Greenville reported Sunday that the School District of Pickens County was aware of an "altercation" at the camp held some 60 miles away.
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A fight at an off-site high school football training camp in South Carolina has prompted an investigation — potentially aided by video of the incident that has been circulating on social media,Â
WYFF in Greenville reported Sunday that the School District of Pickens County was aware of an "altercation" at the camp held some 60 miles away.
As reported by WHNS serving Greenville County, the Moorhead Lefevre Law Firm and the Kyle J. White Law Firm said they are representing the family of a minor child who was “savagely beaten” July 7 at the football camp at Presbyterian College in Clinton.
According to the attorneys, the camp was school sanctioned and the individuals who perpetrated the attack were D.W. Daniel High School football players.
“Our clients have authorized us to release this information and the disturbing video footage of the incident, with the hope that anyone with information or evidence helpful to the investigation will contact us,” said the family attorneys, as reported by WHNS. “Helpful information would include, not only information and evidence pertinent to the camp or the incident on July 7, 2025, but also information and evidence pertinent to other similar incidents involving DW Daniel High School or Presbyterian College.”
Presbyterian College released the following statement, as reported Sunday by WYFF.
"On July 7, Presbyterian College Campus Police were notified of an incident involving minor high school students who were participating in a Fellowship of Christian Athletes summer football camp.
"After an initial investigation of the incident, Campus Police followed protocol and referred the matter to the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice and the Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
"There were no PC students or personnel involved in the incident, nor was the camp sponsored by the college. FCA was renting the college’s facilities. We do not tolerate any form of violence on our campus. We hope that due process and justice will be served appropriately "
Athletic Business questioned the thought process behind remote high school training camps more than 20 years ago.
From AB: Camping Trips
At that time, hazing among high school football teams was a hot topic, including a particularly shocking episode that took place at a remote camp in Pennsylvania.
From AB: Uncivil Rites
FCA released the following statement Monday, according to WHNS:
"The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is aware of the incident that occurred at camp in South Carolina and took immediate action to address the situation, including sending the involved campers home. Their behavior falls unacceptably short of our standards of integrity, service, teamwork and excellence that FCA expects of all participants and has no place in our community.
"For over 70 years, FCA has upheld the highest standards of personal conduct, morality and sportsmanship for our coaches, athletes, campers and staff. We remain fully committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for every participant in our program."
The School District of Pickens County released a statement on Sunday evening explaining they are limited in what details they can share due to federal student privacy laws known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
“We take matters involving student conduct at such events very seriously,” the school district said, according to WHNS.
WHNS further reported that the school district said it is following its own district disciplinary policies, adhering to its athletic policy based on South Carolina High School League guidelines, and is cooperating with Laurens County law enforcement through their legal process.
“The district leadership of the School District of Pickens County is aware of and investigating an altercation involving D.W. Daniel High School students during an off-campus football retreat held in Laurens County," a spokesperson from the district wrote in a statement, as reported by WHNS. "The football retreat, though not during the school year, was a school-sponsored event, and we take matters involving student conduct at such events very seriously.
"We are following our own district disciplinary policies, adhering to our athletic policy (based on South Carolina High School League guidelines), and also cooperating with Laurens County law enforcement through their legal process. We want to emphasize that we fully recognize the seriousness of an altercation of this nature. While we are committed to helping our students learn and grow from their mistakes, we are also ensuring that appropriate consequences are administered in line with district policy and the law.
"We are aware that there are multiple factors and perspectives in this situation and remain committed to a thorough and fair review of this situation, as well as an investigation of the football program as a whole. While we are committed to helping all our students learn and move forward, we do not downplay the fact that the altercation occurred. Ensuring a safe and respectful environment is a top priority, and we are addressing this matter with the seriousness it deserves, again, in line with district policies and the law.
"Due to federal student privacy laws (FERPA) that protect minors, we are unable to provide specific details about the students involved or the disciplinary actions taken. Our goal is to address this matter in a manner that promotes the long-term well-being of all students. We believe in turning challenging moments into opportunities for growth, and we will continue to work with families and the community to ensure that happens. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every student can move forward, continue their education, and grow into responsible members of our community."
Moreover, per the reporting of WHNS, the following statement was issued by 8th Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo:
“My office is aware of the incident that occurred during the FCA team camp held earlier this month at Presbyterian College. We are monitoring the situation daily and working closely with the the Department of Juvenile Justice and the law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction. In accordance with state law Section 63-19-2020 and 63-19-2040, my office cannot comment further at this time as this is an active investigation involving juveniles. We will provide updates on the case when appropriate and as state law allows.”
