Former Evans High School football coach Barrett Davis has apologized for the negative publicity surrounding allegations that he is having a relationship with a former student.
In a text message, Davis asked the public to “please respect the privacy” of his family and kids during this time. He said he was forced to resign or be fired “despite no criminal wrongdoing being found.” He’s been accused of having a relationship with the former student, who is 19 and graduated last year. He is 37.
Davis said that he “sincerely apologizes for the negative backlash from this accusation, and wishes Evans the best moving forward,” the statement said.
The statement comes just a few days after the Columbia County School District forced him to resign. In a press release sent out Thursday afternoon, the district said Davis, who was a teacher and coach, was the subject of an alleged inappropriate relationship between a staff member and a former student.
The District Attorney’s office will be reviewing the results of an investigation by the district’s police department.
“Please know that in any situation concerning allegations of inappropriate behavior by a staff member, not only will we investigate fully, we will also use every resource available to pursue prosecution in order to keep inappropriate behavior out of classrooms and schools,” the school district said in the statement. “We apologize for the distraction and concern this incident may have caused students, staff, and their families, and we thank those who have come forward with information.
The statement continued, “Suspicious activity should immediately be reported to administration or the Columbia County School District Police. We take all reports extremely seriously and will investigate fully so we can continue to provide a safe, positive environments for students and staff.”
