CLINTON, Tenn. (WATE) – A letter obtained by WATE states that an error led to a Clinton High School student being reported as ineligible to play football during the 2023 season; however, the student did have the required credits.
Clinton High School has been at the center of An ongoing investigation into grade manipulation focused on potential misuse of virtual credit recovery classes. The letter from current Clinton High Principal Robbie Herrel to TSSAA Executive Director Mark Reeves explains that the school reported that an ineligible player participated in the 2023 football season. However, the letter states that further review found an additional credit that had been placed in 2022 instead of 2023.
In the letter, the principal states that after receiving notification that an error had been made, they looked into how many credit recovery courses the student had taken after enrolling at Clinton High and discovered that he had completed and earned credit for six classes. According to the letter, the completion date was listed as 5/15/23.
After Clinton High School first reported to the TSSAA that an ineligible player had participated in the season, the school was fined $250 and had to forfeit any wins from games in which the student played, according to a letter dated May 17 from the TSSAA.
In May, Ryan Sutton, communications director for Anderson County Schools, shared with WATE that football coach Darell Keith’s contract was not renewed for the 24-25 school year. Jason Hamock was named interim head football coach. Nearly a month later in June, Sutton shared that Clinton High School athletic director Nate Martin had resigned.
The grade-rigging investigation led to the firing of two teachers and the resignation of the principal. On May 18, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office announced that an investigation was underway and the district attorney’s office requested to look into the matter.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The letter is dated May 10, however, this is likely an error and the date is June 10.
