Brown resigns as Spring Valley football coach (+ resignation letter)
Coach Jerry Brown’s return to Spring Valley football has ended after less than a year.
READ BROWN'S RESIGNATION LETTER
In a letter to Richland School Distrrict 2 that he requested be made public, Brown resigned Tuesday, days after the district made public an investigation into an incident between Brown and a student that occurred on Jan. 8.
In the letter, Brown said he resignation was in the best interest of his players, students and the district for several reasons, including the recent investigation as well as difficulties adjusting to the football program’s staffing situation.
“Because of that situation plus recent events, I do not have the desire to continue as head football coach at Spring Valley. I appreciate being given this opportunity by Tim Hunter the AD, Jeff Temoney the prinicipal, and Richland District 2,” Brown wrote. “I appreciate the time my coaches put in, and the players have done all we asked. But it was not a good fit for me and I would like to enjoy coaching as I help young people in the final decade of my career.”
Brown added: “I am not guilty of any misconduct and deny any allegations that I have acted inappropriately with intentional wrongdoing towards my players or any others. My dedication has been to better my team and the players and to see them succeed, and I wish them the best in their future endeavors.”
Brown declined further comment when reached by The State on Tuesday.
District 2 released a statement saying, “The District appreciates coach Jerry Brown’s efforts with the Spring Valley High School football program this past season.”
“The district accepts the magistrate’s determination and coach Brown’s statement that he intended no harm,” the statement read.
According to a statement from the Richland County Sherriff’s Department, Brown was accused of having slapped a student during a presentation to a class on Jan. 8.
Based on interviews from Brown, the student, witnesses and Richland 2 officials, a magistrate judge determined there was no malicious and criminal intent to harm the student, but on Jan. 14 the district’s investigation was on-going, and Brown was placed on administrative leave, according to district policy.
Brown had coached the Vikings early in his career, serving as an assistant to Joe Turbeville beginning in 1970. As Spring Valley head coach, he led the Vikings to the 1988 Class 4A title. He went on to win three championships at Berkeley, retiring after the 2010 season. But he returned to the sidelines in 2012 at Batesburg-Leesville, where he led the Panthers to the 2013 Class 2A Division 2 title.
When he was hired at Spring Valley in 2014, Brown said he believed he would end his career there. Now Brown is considering taking another post before hanging up his bucket hat.
This story was originally published January 20, 2015 at 4:04 PM.