Jonathan Carson
KEARNEY — In front of a packed board room, JD Carson, former Kearney High School girls’ basketball coach, and the players’ parents raised questions and concerns about his resignation to the Kearney school board during their meeting on Monday, Dec. 11.
In November, Carson announced his resignation from coaching duties, citing personal reasons. Carson had been on the KHS girls’ basketball coaching staff since 2012, first serving as an assistant coach and then taking over as head coach last year.
It was noted that Carson would continue to teach social studies at KHS.
“We wish Coach Carson well and are confident that the Bearcat ladies’ basketball program will continue to grow and be successful on and off the court,” said Ryan Hogue, KPS Activities Director and KHS Assistant Principal.
Chris Pocock was named to serve as the interim head coach and a search for a replacement began immediately.
During the public comment period of the meeting, Nicole Straka, said on Nov. 10, her daughter was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with Carson. Straka said that these allegations were, “completely unfounded.”
She said the players were asked leading questions by members of KHS administration.
Straka said that the community expects due process and due diligence when these types of allegations are made. She said that safeguards should have been in place, and none were offered to her daughter.
Straka said that the administration had mishandled the situation and requested a non-biased report be conducted.
Melissa Hatcher, a parent of one of the basketball players said that on Nov. 10, her daughter was asked leading questions for 30 minutes. She said then answers to these questions were then used against Carson.
She asked why parents were not contacted when these allegations were made and why they were contacted only after the questioning took place.
She asked that those in the administration responsible be held accountable for their actions.
Melissa Franzen, another parent of a player, asked why 96 hours elapsed between the players being questioned, to the parents learning about the situation.
Franzen said that what happened to Carson will be a reason KHS has issues trying to fill teaching and coaching positions in the future.
She questioned the timing of these allegations, right before the start of the basketball season, and opined that this was “opportunistic timing.”
Franzen said the KHS administration acted hastily and that the parents of the players stand behind Carson.
Karisa Province also spoke, and alleged Carson had been forced to resign due to these false allegations. She said Carson was considered guilty before he was proven innocent.
Other parents raised similar concerns regarding the “inappropriate and misleading questions,” that were asked of a dozen of players. They said their daughters were distressed by the line of questioning.
It was noted that this situation has compromised trust, and that the Kearney community is still discussing the matter a month later.
Carson himself appeared before the board and alleged that he was the victim of a, “tactical witch hunt,” that had forced his resignation.
Carson also alleged that other coaches are, “terrified to be themselves,” and asked what support they will receive from the district. Carson said of the district, “no one had my back.”
At the close of Carson’s comments, he received a round of applause and a quick standing ovation from those gathered to support him.
