SWHS Football coach being investigated [update: arrested]

[SWGB]

It was reported on the news tonight, but oddly doesn't have a link.

[30ABandMan]

In Fridays sports section of the NWF Dailynews.

[SWGB]

Authorities investigating suspended South Walton coach, coach, walton, school - News - Northwest Florida Daily News

[kathydwells]

Authorities investigating suspended South Walton coach, coach, walton, school - News - Northwest Florida Daily News

Um, did you see the date on the article you linked my dear? March 2007. That is a long investigation.

[kurt]

South Walton High School football coach David Barron was not at Friday night's game. There is an investigation involving members of the SoWal High staff and some football players have been interviewed.

No other details available.

[sunspotbaby]

Um, did you see the date on the article you linked my dear? March 2007. That is a long investigation.

When I read the coach's name, I thought I remembered something about this guy being investigated before. I didn't even notice the date.

[Dia]

Barron's coaching status for Jay game is uncertain | game, jay, rosa - Top Stories - Crestview News Bulletin

Sheriff's Office investigating South Walton High; football coach absent from Jay game
October 14, 2010 10:50 PM
Travis Downey and Adam Pruiett
Daily News

UPDATE — South Walton High School football coach David Barron is not at tonight's game at Jay.

Charlie Marello is the acting coach.

No more details concerning the investigation were available.



Read an earlier version of the story

SANTA ROSA BEACH — The coaching status of South Walton High School football coach David Barron for tonight’s game at Jay is uncertain.

Barron didn’t attend Thursday morning’s practice and it was unclear whether he would be manning the sidelines tonight. Barron declined comment on Thursday.

South Walton High School officials wouldn’t comment on his absence at practice or say whether he would coach the Seahawks against Jay. When reached for comment, Walton County Superintendent of Schools Carlene Anderson would only say that “an employee is under investigation,” and declined to speak specifically as to exactly which employee was at the center of the investigation.

Maj. Graham Fountain with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that it, too, was involved in a separate, but related, investigation involving South Walton High. According to Fountain, the ongoing investigation involved interviewing witnesses consisting of individuals on the South Walton staff as well as “football players.”

“I know the school system has reassigned the employee that the accusations were made against, pending the outcome of the investigation,” Fountain said.

A Florida High School Athletic Association official said Thursday that the FHSAA had no ongoing investigation into the South Walton football program.

Barron, who has been the head coach at South Walton for six seasons, was named the Daily News small school Coach of the Year following the 2008 campaign. South Walton captured its first-ever district title and won the program’s first-ever playoff game before ending the year with a 9-3 record.

The Seahawks earned their second straight playoff berth last season — the first time in school history they made consecutive postseason appearances — and finished with an 8-3 record. South Walton is 3-3 this season, including 2-3 in District 1-A play.

[kurt]

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) today arrested South Walton High School football coach James David Barron, 58, of Freeport Fla., for child abuse, a third-degree felony.

The investigation began Oct. 13 after the WCSO received allegations that Barron intentionally struck a juvenile football player in the throat during an Oct.12 football practice session at South Walton High School.

“Football coaches traditionally serve as role models who teach students the value of discipline, competitiveness and sportsmanship,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. “Mr. Barron’s actions go far beyond the toughness expected in football. Teaching players to strike others in the throat is excessive and unnecessarily puts students in harms way.”

The investigation revealed that Barron allegedly used a medical neck brace during football practice sessions as a teaching tool to instruct football players to use a throat thrust technique to injure other football players. There is no evidence to support this technique being used during an official football game.

Barron was booked into the Walton County Jail.

For Further Information Contact:
Mike Morrison
Public Information Officer
Walton County Sheriff’s Office
(850) 892-8186 (main)
(850) 401-4612 (cell)

[scooterbug44]

Did I read that correctly? He is being charged w/ child abuse because he demonstrated a nasty tactic on one of his players?

[hippiechick]

Here are the facts. A kid who shouldn't be playing football because he isn't mentally or physically strong enough cried to his Mama that he was abused by his football coach. PLeassse. Now Mama wants the coach to be fired. Coach Barron is not only a wonderful Mentor to the kids on his Football Teams but he goes way beyond his duties. Everyone who knows the real facts in this case say this guy is getting smeared and railroaded for a whiney cry baby kid.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) today arrested South Walton High School football coach James David Barron, 58, of Freeport Fla., for child abuse, a third-degree felony.

The investigation began Oct. 13 after the WCSO received allegations that Barron intentionally struck a juvenile football player in the throat during an Oct.12 football practice session at South Walton High School.

“Football coaches traditionally serve as role models who teach students the value of discipline, competitiveness and sportsmanship,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. “Mr. Barron’s actions go far beyond the toughness expected in football. Teaching players to strike others in the throat is excessive and unnecessarily puts students in harms way.”

The investigation revealed that Barron allegedly used a medical neck brace during football practice sessions as a teaching tool to instruct football players to use a throat thrust technique to injure other football players. There is no evidence to support this technique being used during an official football game.

Barron was booked into the Walton County Jail.

For Further Information Contact:
Mike Morrison
Public Information Officer
Walton County Sheriff’s Office
(850) 892-8186 (main)
(850) 401-4612 (cell)

[shfan]

Here are a few facts about Coach Barron. For 36 years he has devoted his life to the academic and athletic development of student athletes. He has taught math to and coached thousands of students, tutored those struggling with learning at no cost and been available as a counselor to any who needed it. He has been married to his wife, who he met at the Methodist Wesley Foundation while in college, for 37 years. He raised three daughters to prioritize their lives as God first, Family second, and work/school and everything else 3rd. He has two toddler grandsons who adore their "Pop Bear". He would NEVER hurt a child.

[Romeosmydog]

I don't think that the sheriff would launch a full-blown investigation and ultimately arrest a coach for just "a wimpy kid complaint." Kids get hit all the time on the football field, they get broken bones and bruises galore. But you don't hit a kid in the throat, and you don't teach them to do it. I don't know the kid that complained or the mother...but I do know that if he hit my son in the throat, the WCSO would not have to arrest him, they would have to protect him...from me.

[Coach1]

Get your facts straight. False allegations are made every day. Unfortunately Coach Barron has been subject to these cruel accusations. He has done absolutely nothing wrong.

I don't think that the sheriff would launch a full-blown investigation and ultimately arrest a coach for just "a wimpy kid complaint." Kids get hit all the time on the football field, they get broken bones and bruises galore. But you don't hit a kid in the throat, and you don't teach them to do it. I don't know the kid that complained or the mother...but I do know that if he hit my son in the throat, the WCSO would not have to arrest him, they would have to protect him...from me.

[Romeosmydog]

I am not saying I have all the facts. I am going on what I read in the newspaper from 3000 miles away. I know allegations are one thing and a full blown investigation is another. Kids falsely accuse people, but they also get abused. I am sure if he is innocent then the WCSO will have him out of there in no time, clear his name and hopefully he will lead SW to a winning season. But I will stick to my statement. IF my kid got hit in the throat by ANYBODY, even a great coach and family guy, even a God fearing loving grandfather. IF my kid got hit, there would be hell to pay.

[Coach1]

Quit being so dramatic. It goes without saying no parent would permit any abuse of their child from a family member or anyone. We don't need you to keep saying it. All we are saying is, don't hang and convict this guy who is accused until you know the facts. Kids lie everyday and lots of people get hurt by it. And if you are 3000 miles away then this doesn't concern you anyway!

I am not saying I have all the facts. I am going on what I read in the newspaper from 3000 miles away. I know allegations are one thing and a full blown investigation is another. Kids falsely accuse people, but they also get abused. I am sure if he is innocent then the WCSO will have him out of there in no time, clear his name and hopefully he will lead SW to a winning season. But I will stick to my statement. IF my kid got hit in the throat by ANYBODY, even a great coach and family guy, even a God fearing loving grandfather. IF my kid got hit, there would be hell to pay.

[shfan]

The technique being taught involves hitting the chest pads and pushing the opposing player up and back. The intent is not to hit the neck.

[kurt]

Get your facts straight. False allegations are made every day. Unfortunately Coach Barron has been subject to these cruel accusations. He has done absolutely nothing wrong.

Quit being so dramatic. It goes without saying no parent would permit any abuse of their child from a family member or anyone. We don't need you to keep saying it. All we are saying is, don't hang and convict this guy who is accused until you know the facts. Kids lie everyday and lots of people get hurt by it. And if you are 3000 miles away then this doesn't concern you anyway!

It is easy to see your emotional connection to the issue but please be polite. Maybe you feel it is others who are not polite because they are speculating. But that tends to happen on the internet. no need to make it worse by being rude.

[kurt]

I am not saying I have all the facts. I am going on what I read in the newspaper from 3000 miles away. I know allegations are one thing and a full blown investigation is another. Kids falsely accuse people, but they also get abused. I am sure if he is innocent then the WCSO will have him out of there in no time, clear his name and hopefully he will lead SW to a winning season. But I will stick to my statement. IF my kid got hit in the throat by ANYBODY, even a great coach and family guy, even a God fearing loving grandfather. IF my kid got hit, there would be hell to pay.

Maybe let it play out a bit before making assumptions about this particular case.

[Miss Critter]

Sad news regardless of which "side" you are on.

[SWGB]

A few more facts.

[scooterbug44]

I agree w/ Romeo that I doubt the Sheriff would have arrested him w/o any cause - and the complaint certainly says that it was more than some kid whining about practicing a move where you hit someone in the chest.

It sure as hell isn't appropriate or sportmanlike. Acid test - when high school students are showing better judgment, you are most definitely in the wrong.

[Romeosmydog]

You are right Kurt. I guess I should have used the word "IF" in bold..."IF" the allegations are true...and "IF" they had happened to my kid.... but bottom line he is innocent until proven guilty and for everyone involved we can only hope he is innocent.

But Coach1 you should know a few things about me: First, just because I am 3000 miles away today does not mean it is not my concern. I have roots deeper than anyone I know in Walton County (ShallowsNole may run a tight race). Every single person in my family still lives in Walton County. I taught school there, my girls both went to South Walton and my nephews still play football for Freeport High School. I am a property owner, registered voter, a parent, teacher and a member of SoWal so I can freely post on any topic...as long as I am nice. I don't have to be popular, but I will always state my opinion and as you pointed out, I have done so.
Also, my defense of the sheriff in this case should not be seen as "taking sides" I just happen to feel that he would not risk his reputation, career and good standing with the public on a paper-thin allegation. He is a very popular elected official with a lot to lose.
With that said, I am taking Kurt's advice and waiting to see how this one pans out.

[GoodWitch58]

You are right Kurt. I guess I should have used the word "IF" in bold..."IF" the allegations are true...and "IF" they had happened to my kid.... but bottom line he is innocent until proven guilty and for everyone involved we can only hope he is innocent.

But Coach1 you should know a few things about me: First, just because I am 3000 miles away today does not mean it is not my concern. I have roots deeper than anyone I know in Walton County (ShallowsNole may run a tight race). Every single person in my family still lives in Walton County. I taught school there, my girls both went to South Walton and my nephews still play football for Freeport High School. I am a property owner, registered voter, a parent, teacher and a member of SoWal so I can freely post on any topic...as long as I am nice. I don't have to be popular, but I will always state my opinion and as you pointed out, I have done so.
Also, my defense of the sheriff in this case should not be seen as "taking sides" I just happen to feel that he would not risk his reputation, career and good standing with the public on a paper-thin allegation. He is a very popular elected official with a lot to lose.
With that said, I am taking Kurt's advice and waiting to see how this one pans out.

Well said, Romeosmydog. We miss you guys! I agree completely, if this happend to my kid....

[scooterbug44]

We managed to win games just fine w/o resorting to dirty tricks and trying to cripple people.

Coaching philosophy at the school needs to be examined IMO.

[kurt]

Football is a rough contact sport, but when do you cross the line? Apparently a coach at South Walton High School did just that when he began instructing players on a maneuver that could potentially injure an opposing player’s throat. Wednesday, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrested South Walton High School football coach, 58-year-old James David Barron, of Freeport. He was arrested for child abuse, a third-degree felony.

The investigation began October 13 after the WCSO received allegations that Barron intentionally struck a juvenile football player in the throat during an October 12 football practice session at South Walton High School. The Sheriff’s Office was working with the Walton County School District.

The investigation revealed that Barron allegedly used a medical neck brace during football practice sessions as a teaching tool to instruct football players to use a throat thrust technique to injure other football players. The brace was apparently obtained from a player who had need of it a few weeks earlier. Walton County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Mike Morrison says the maneuver would have the player use his thumb and pointer finger to strike the throat. Morrison says this was taught as an intent to injure other players. Morrison says there is no evidence to support that the technique was used during an official football game.

Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. says football coaches traditionally serve as role models who teach students the value of discipline, competitiveness and sportsmanship. The sheriff says Barron’s actions go far beyond the toughness expected in football. He says teaching players to strike others in the throat is excessive and unnecessarily puts students in harms way.

As reported on WZEP AM 1460