School district investigates alleged coach comment

An investigation on an alleged comment made by Football Coach Carlett “Danny” Daniels at Magdalena Schools is underway.

The parents of a student-athlete spoke up during public comment at the September 16 Magdalena School Board meeting. They alleged that Daniels made inappropriate comments about their son.

Anthony and Ashley Lower said they felt their son was forced off the team after an incident during a game where he talked on the sideline.

“They said he was talking on the sideline, and my son owned up to it. He said he was frustrated, he was upset,” Ashley Lower said, “He wasn’t given a warning. He didn’t sit out again, run at practice. He wasn’t given one or two strikes. No, he was asked to hand over his helmet and get off the field. Which he took it upon himself thinking that he was off the team.”

The parents said following the incident, the coach made inappropriate sexual remarks about their son to another student. The remark was followed up with a meeting with Athletic Director Jory Mirabal and Daniels.

“We were in that meeting, it was pretty hairy, and it felt like no one was on our side for one. It was just that the whole situation wasn’t right. For me as a parent, I felt like speaking up for our number one priority. And I think in that meeting, there could have been a lot done,” Anthony Lower said.

He told the board, in the meeting Daniels admitted he had said the comment and refused to apologize.

The school board convened in executive session to discuss legal matters regarding students and coaches.

After voting out of the executive session, Lynn Major, School board president, addressed the public and parents.

“We take your concerns very seriously. We are going to continue this. It is still under legal investigation, and it will be placed at October’s meeting under Executive Session or follow-up with the board. So, we want to thank you for bringing your concerns forward. We appreciate that,” Major said.

She confirmed that no action was taken in the executive session. The next school board meeting is scheduled for October 21.