THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE LEXINGTON‐RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT 5 FACE SWEEPING PUBLIC SCRUTINY FOR FAILURE TO INVESTIGATE SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS AT IRMO SCHOOLS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 3-28-25

THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE LEXINGTON‐RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT 5 FACE SWEEPING PUBLIC SCRUTINY FOR FAILURE TO INVESTIGATE SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS AT IRMO SCHOOLS

 

 

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – Community advocates and concerned family representatives announce that Lexington‐Richland School District 5 (District 5) and the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) are under intense public scrutiny for their alleged, ongoing failure to investigate and discipline serious misconduct claims at Irmo High School and Irmo Middle School. Based on information and belief, the allegations include criminal misconduct, child cruelty, child endangerment, repeated violations of federally mandated Section 504 and ADA accommodations, and systemic retaliation—all of which have jeopardized the safety of student-athletes and undermined public trust.

Multiple formal demand letters and documented complaints (including those dated March 6, March 9, and subsequent correspondence) detail these allegations. Notably, SCHSL legal counsel—led by Mr. Michael Montgomery—has repeatedly maintained that the League lacks jurisdiction over these matters. Critics contend that this claim is used as a pretext to shield Irmo and District 5 from scrutiny while punitive measures are selectively imposed on those who raise concerns. SCHSL itself – even after multiple letters, demands for investigations, copies of letters sent to them for months – has never contacted the complainants regarding allegations of criminal misconduct involving child cruelty, child endangerment, or other safety violations, despite repeated requests for accountability.

Among the Key Allegations Reported to the SCHSL Since June 2024 and That Which They Claim “No Jurisdiction”are:

• Forced Participation, Unsafe Conditioning, and Physical Abuse:
  Coaches—including those identified as Aaron Brand, Gary Stephens, Cedric Currence, Coach Teon Petree, and Jordan Ingram—are alleged to have imposed physically abusive disciplinary conditioning on student-athletes who were not medically cleared. Such actions are claimed to violate SCHSL Bylaw Section 16 (Ineligible Participants) and South Carolina Code Ann. §§ 63570, which prohibit child abuse and neglect. Specifically, those athletes whose parents had not yet complied with the requirement to turn in a Proof of Sports Physical Form, which on that day, triggers eligibility to practice and participate in physical activities, were systematically punished with physical activity in extreme weather conditions (heat and humidity, burning hot artificial turf that caused skin burns), bear crawls on the hot surface, planking and other demanding physical exercises. One such student, the lone middle schooler being punished alongside Varsity athletes, was a Type 1 Diabetic and minor child of the middle school head wrestling coach. After a 3 ¼ hour long regular practice, this minor athlete was then subjected to this extra punishment when in fact, the designated “Proof of Physical” form was not yet due for another 30 days per SCHSL rules yet, according to Coach Aaron Brand and his coaches in written and verbal statements, they, the coaches, were teaching this athlete “discipline” and “responsibility” and sought for everyone to get their completed forms in well in advance. The Type 1 Diabetic athlete was propelled into Diabeticketoacidosis (DKA) and suffered severe pain, discomfort, cramping and dehydration, dizziness, delirium and confusion immediately after and over the course of several days and took a week to recover. Despite this, the SCHSL claims no jurisdiction and has steadfastly failed to investigate the school and the adults alleged to have committed child cruelty and child endangerment, as well as the school and district themselves, who have actively protected to the coaches and administrators and have also failed to investigate them but have actively investigated the child’s parent as the Head Wrestling Coach of Irmo Middle School and are alleged to have repeatedly retaliated against the minor student athlete, his parents and his wrestlers and their parents, on multiple occasions thereafter without any intervention or response from the SCHSL despite numerous incidents and imminent danger threats under the SCHSL’s purview.

• Assault, Battery, and Intimidation:
  Allegations include that one coach engaged in assault and attempted battery against a parent, while another coach is accused of committing acts amounting to assault and endangerment during wrestling practices. In addition, district officials—including Athletic Director Steven Puckett—are alleged to have misused law enforcement against a whistle blower coach and his family, while certain HR representatives are accused of employing intimidation tactics. The SCHSL claims no jurisdiction over this and refuses to investigate.

• Lockout Incidents and Retaliatory Actions:
  Multiple reports indicate that student-athletes at Irmo Middle School were deliberately locked out by school officials—attributed to actions by the middle school principal and an assistant athletic director—thereby impeding access to critical medical interventions. These lockouts are alleged to be retaliatory measures targeting those who raise safety concerns. The SCHSL claims no jurisdiction over this and refuses to investigate.

• Defamation and Misuse of Law Enforcement at Competitive Events:
  At a recent Gilbert High School event, district personnel reportedly misused law enforcement and disseminated defamatory statements intended to humiliate and intimidate a coach, his team and his family. This incident is cited as part of a broader pattern of retaliatory misconduct. Lexington Richland 1 School District, to date, has also failed to respond with investigation, apology or plan of action. The SCHSL claims no jurisdiction over this and refuses to investigate.

• Repeated ADA/Section 504 Violations:
  Multiple complaints document that student-athletes with disabilities have been repeatedly denied essential accommodations mandated under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II (42 U.S.C. §§ 12131–12165). Specific incidents include the withholding of necessary medical interventions during athletic events, thereby placing students at imminent risk. Whistle blower information specific to the absence of AED devices within Irmo School Campuses has come forward and is now at issue. The SCHSL claims no jurisdiction over this and refuses to investigate.

• Fabrication, Cover-Up, and Misleading Reporting:
  It is alleged that school administrators fabricated internal reports regarding safety violations and self-reporting to federal mediators. District officials—including key athletic and HR personnel—and complicit board members are accused of engaging in a systematic cover-up designed to conceal these violations. SCHSL Commissioner Jerome Singleton’s longstanding ties with District 5 further raise conflict-of-interest concerns. The SCHSL claims no jurisdiction over this and refuses to investigate.

• Equipment and Safety Violations (“Helmet Incident”):
  On or about June 3, 2024, student-athletes are alleged to have used uncertified helmets carried over from a previous season—prior to the issuance of new helmets—in violation of SCHSL Bylaw Section 2.4. Misleading statements regarding this incident were reportedly provided to federal mediators. One minor athlete had his helmet stolen, alleged by multiple players, by the son of a coach and not only was the matter not investigated, the player was forced to borrow another players helmet before being forced into a starting role at quarterback as he lined up as a wide receiver, maliciously without warm up and preparation. The helmet caused him great discomfort and headaches along with his already high blood sugar. No Irmo Trainer was present at the game in violation of the students 504 plan. The SCHSL claims no jurisdiction over this and refuses to investigate.

• Misconduct at Competitive Events:
  Allegations include that under qualified, very young scorekeepers and timekeepers – as young as 10 years old – were used at events such as the Carolina Invitational and Area 5 Qualifiers. Such practices allegedly compromised fair competition and contributed to retaliatory outcomes, including the suppression of legitimate athletic advancement. The SCHSL claims no jurisdiction over this and refuses to investigate.

• Systemic Retaliation, Discrimination, and Favoritism:
  Community advocates assert that there is a pervasive pattern of disparate treatment in which non–African American and Latino families and coaches face harsher penalties and retaliation, while African American coaches and administrators are allegedly protected by District 5 and SCHSL. This alleged bias is seen as a deliberate tactic to shield favored personnel—including those associated with Coach Brand and Superintendent Dr. Akil Ross—while targeting whistle blowers Additional allegations target specific district representatives, including Jinni Friend, Jeanna Locklair, and four board members, who have repeatedly refused to address these concerns. The SCHSL claims no jurisdiction over this and refuses to investigate.

• Critical Safety Neglect and Lack of Medical Supervision:
  Incidents at various athletic events have demonstrated that student-athletes were deprived of essential medical supervision and emergency equipment (such as Automated External Defibrillators), in violation of District 5 policies and federal guidelines. Key district officials are accused of failing to provide the necessary medical accommodations as required under the ADA and Section 504. The SCHSL claims no jurisdiction over this and refuses to investigate.

• Failure to Respond to Whistle blower Concerns:
  SCHSL has never contacted the complainants regarding these serious allegations. Instead, its steadfast “no jurisdiction” stance is perceived as an attempt to conceal misconduct and protect favored personnel, while imposing punitive measures on those who raise concerns. Notably, Coach Brand is alleged never to have engaged in direct communication with the Sevilla family except for a single disrespectful text message.

The Complainants report repeatedly that Coach Aaron Brand and his staff, including Irmo Athletic Director, Paul Calvert and Kaaren Hampton, have been arrogant, disrespectful, unprofessional, emboldened by Dr. Ross, the SCHSLK and the 4 complicit Board Members: Sculley, Satterfield, Snipes and Herring’s failure to act on these past issues and imminent danger issues despite Lexington Richland 5 Board of Trustees members: Barnhardt, Baynahm and Huddle voting in favor of investigations and sanctions against those involved to address the criminal abuses.

Ongoing Federal Investigation

In addition to the above allegations, sources indicate that the U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation (U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Case No. 11-25-1190) into Coach Brand’s football program for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Based on information and belief, federal investigators are examining claims that the program failed to provide the legally mandated accommodations and medical supervision for student-athletes with disabilities, thereby exacerbating risks to their health and safety. This investigation underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the potential federal liability for failing to protect students.

Legal Citations and Authorities

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794): Mandates that federally funded institutions provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.

• Americans with Disabilities Act Title II (42 U.S.C. §§ 12131–12165): Prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires public entities to furnish necessary medical accommodations.

• 42 U.S.C. § 1983: Provides a civil remedy for the deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law.

• South Carolina Code Ann. §§ 63570 and 637310: Prohibit child abuse, mandate the reporting of child endangerment, and require the protection of student welfare.

• SafeSport Code of Conduct and Athlete Protection Policies / NFHS Guidelines: Require that all coaches complete mandatory training (including CPR/AED and abuse prevention) and maintain safe environments for student-athletes.

• SCHSL Bylaws and Constitution: Explicitly empower the League to investigate and discipline misconduct in all athletic activities, as outlined in Article IV, Section 3 and Article VII, Section 3.

Failure to Act and a Final Demand Letter Was Issued to the SCHSL

Documents indicate that SCHSL and District 5 have not provided verifiable evidence of a comprehensive, independent investigation into these allegations. Their persistent “no jurisdiction” stance appears designed to conceal misconduct while protecting favored personnel. District officials have repeatedly failed to respond to whistle blower communications, and allegations of criminal misconduct—including child cruelty, child endangerment, and repeated ADA violations—remain unaddressed.
SCHSL and Lexington-Richland School District 5 were demanded to immediately provide, in writing, verifiable evidence that a full, independent investigation is underway. The documentation was demanded to include:

• A complete list of all individuals under investigation (including, but not limited to, the identified coaches, principals, athletic administrators, SCHSL officials, and 4 of the 7 district board members, excluding any minors).
• A detailed account of each specific allegation being investigated, covering all incidents described above—including lockout incidents at Irmo Middle School, the Gilbert High School incident, the alleged assault and battery by Coach Gary Stephens, and all other retaliatory and intimidating actions.
• A description of the investigative procedures being employed and a clear timeline for remedial action.
• A public outline of the disciplinary measures that will be imposed upon substantiation of any violations.

The SCHSL’s willful failure to provide this evidence and detailed action steps will now result in the pursuit of all available legal remedies, including federal lawsuits for negligence, gross negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, and potential RICO violations; formal complaints to the South Carolina State Bar regarding ethical misconduct by SCHSL legal counsel; petitions to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and SafeSport for an independent investigation; and a coordinated media campaign urging state and federal legislators to consider dissolving or radically reforming SCHSL. Documents have revealed.

Dereliction of Duty, Politics, and Racial Bias

Critics assert that SCHSL’s and District 5’s actions demonstrate a dereliction of duty and politically driven protection for favored personnel. The alleged refusal to investigate serious misconduct—including allegations of child cruelty, abuse, and unsafe athletic practices—appears designed to shield certain African American administrators and coaches (notably those associated with Coach Brand and Superintendent Dr. Akil Ross) while disproportionately punishing non–African American and Latino families and coaches. Moreover, district officials such as Jinni Friend and Jeanna Locklair, along with four board members (identified as Sculley, Snipes, Satterfield, and Herring), are accused of repeatedly voting against launching proper investigations and covering up violations. This pattern of selective enforcement and the systemic cover-up of abuses underscores an institutional culture where politics and racism allegedly prevail over student safety.

Disclaimer

All allegations contained in this press release are made based upon information and belief and do not constitute final legal determinations. No court, administrative tribunal, or regulatory agency has rendered a final judgment regarding these claims. All individuals and entities named herein remain presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a competent forum.

Media outlets, oversight agencies, and concerned citizens are urged to demand accountability and transparency from SCHSL and Lexington-Richland School District 5. The continued failure to investigate these serious allegations poses a direct risk to the safety and rights of student-athletes and undermines public trust in the governing institutions of high school athletics.