Hoover, AL (Source: AL.COM)— Two former Hoover High School football players are seeking $30 million in damages, alleging they were abused by their coaches during practices last summer. The lawsuit, filed on Monday in Jefferson County Circuit Court, claims the abuse was perpetrated by former head coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms. The legal action also accuses the Hoover Board of Education, Superintendent Kevin Maddox, and Hoover High School Athletic Director Jack Lamey of negligent hiring, training, and supervision of the coaches.
The victims, identified only by their initials D.G. and D.L., were allegedly subjected to physical and emotional harm during practice sessions. The lawsuit was filed by the guardians of the two students, who claim that the abusive behavior came to light after a video from a Hoover High School football practice was leaked. The video allegedly shows two disturbing encounters between the coaches and individual players.
In one of the incidents, a coach can be seen thrusting his groin onto the head of a player who was on the ground, raising serious concerns about the nature of the interaction. The video prompted further investigation into the actions of the coaching staff and led to the resignations of both Gilmer and Helms.
The lawsuit seeks a total of $30 million in damages, broken down into three claims: $10 million for assault and battery, $10 million for emotional distress and mental anguish, and $10 million for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and retention of the coaches.
Alleged History of Abuse
According to the lawsuit, the Hoover Board of Education and district officials failed to conduct an adequate background check on Gilmer and Helms before hiring them. The legal filing claims that both coaches had a known history of abusive behavior toward student-athletes at their previous positions, which was allegedly ignored by the district.
“At no time did the Board and/or its members, Superintendent Maddox, or Athletic Director Lamey conduct a thorough employment history of Gilmer and the numerous complaints against Gilmer and his abusive conduct of student athletes that was well known in the community and at each prior school where he coached,” the lawsuit states.
The plaintiffs argue that the Board’s failure to properly vet Gilmer and Helms resulted in foreseeable harm to students, including the two victims who are now seeking legal recourse.
“If so, they intentionally ignored the warning signs of Coach Gilmer’s irrational and extensive abusive conduct history and negligently and/or with reckless and wanton behavior chose to hire Gilmer and Helms knowing the risk and foreseeability that Gilmer and Helms’s abusive conduct towards student athletes would result in and cause injury and harm to students as suffered by the minor plaintiffs,” the lawsuit claims.
In the wake of the allegations, Hoover School District officials have expressed concern for the well-being of the students involved. Hoover City Schools Superintendent Kevin Maddox addressed the situation after the resignations of both coaches.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff continue to be our top priorities,” Maddox said in a statement. “We maintain high expectations for our employees and students. At this time, our focus is dedicated to supporting our football players and coaching staff.”
The school district has yet to respond to the specific claims made in the lawsuit, and attempts to reach Gilmer and Helms for comment were unsuccessful.
The allegations have shocked the Hoover community, known for its strong high school football program. The lawsuit is likely to draw attention to the issue of abusive behavior in school athletics, especially regarding the hiring practices and oversight of coaches.
Legal experts suggest that the lawsuit could have significant implications for how schools and school boards approach the hiring and supervision of coaches. The case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and oversight to prevent situations where students might be subjected to abuse or mistreatment.
As the legal process unfolds, the community will likely continue to grapple with the broader issues of accountability and the protection of student-athletes within high school sports.
