The Bryan School Board has adopted a policy in writing regarding a purpose of athletics in Section 2430.03 of their Athletics Handbook, which reads in part: “We believe that a positive learning environment can exist only where there is a free and open exchange of ideas; this exchange must be predicated on a mutual respect and understanding between the learner and the teacher – a respect based on the dignity and worth of each individual.”

The School Board also adopted goals for their athletic programs: The goals policy states, in all caps, “CREATE A POSITIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS IN ATHLETICS…”

The Board further adopted a Coaches policy. The Coaches policy includes the requirement to have “Head varsity coaches who are responsible to the school and community to see that… Athletics are enjoyable and challenging for the participants.”

The undersigned believe that the head coach of the BHS Boys Basketball program is failing to follow the letter and spirit of this policy, has failed to follow this policy, and has not created and maintained a positive learning environment for the boys within the program. His actions show a fundamental lack of respect for the worth and dignity of the individual players and has fostered a program that is neither enjoyable nor beneficial for its players.

Players are now facing another season of a program that is negative in tone and treatment of its players, does not respect their contributions and efforts, and does not teach and develop the game of basketball as directed by the Bryan School Board in its Athletics Handbook. In short, they have not been able to participate in an inclusive program welcoming to all student athletes and a positive learning experience for all participants.

There are numerous former players who are direct witnesses to this conduct, who have lived it for multiple seasons, and have signed this petition in support of the current and future players who continue to have negative experiences. These former and current players can speak directly to what has been occurring during practices and games. It is from their experiences that we believe that the time has come to make a change to the leadership of the program.

The undersigned support this cause for the following reasons:

• The head coach has failed to develop players and be a positive role model for our BHS student athletes.
• The program has a negative outlook in games and practices.
• The head coach bullies, intimidates, and humiliates players during practices.
• Players are fearful of the head coach, scared to make mistakes due to the ridicule and verbal abuse he uses daily.
• He does not respect the players as young men and offers no positive guidance.
• The head coach has shown he cannot control his temper in both practices and games.
• Staff members who challenge him are disregarded or ignored
• His use of curse words is unprofessional and unacceptable in any environment
• The head coach believes players who quit are “soft” and/or lack “toughness”.

Going to the coach with questions or concerns subjects players to abuse and retaliation. Several varsity players and parents have complained to the administration about the problems within the program. No changes or improvements have occurred, and the situation continues to deteriorate for the players.

As a direct result of this conduct, high school players are quitting basketball in high numbers. Current players dread dealing with the next season. A clear majority of current and former player have lost their love and passion for the game. In addition, the parents of the players have had to watch their sons leave and return from practices and games without joy or excitement and have watched their sons lose their love of the game.

The undersigned believe their only recourse is to petition the school board to address the problems within the program, and they ask the board to quickly and fully investigate the allegations made in the petition, to speak with the numerous former players, current players, past and current coaches, as well as the past and current players’ parents to determine the truth of this matter, and further to act upon the evidence they find and make the necessary changes to restore a positive learning experience to the program.