In Dawson Springs, Kentucky, the arrest of a volunteer basketball coach has sparked outrage over alleged misconduct at the school.
Judd Tyson, a 29-year-old from Nortonville, faces two counts of third-degree terroristic threatening after allegedly telling high school players he should “curb stomp” them and didn’t care if it broke their necks.
The shocking words came during practice, leaving students scared and parents furious.
Tyson was booked into Hopkins County Jail on September 17, 2025, and released on bond soon after.
But the trouble didn’t stop there.
Parents Say the School Ignored Tyson’s Threats and Subsequent Bullying
They say the school failed to act, not just about Tyson’s threats, but also about bullying and witness intimidation that followed.
“The school has allowed one student to harass and threaten witnesses on behalf of Tyson specifically for their testimony against him.”
Melinda Walls, a local mom whose son was targeted, poured her frustration into a viral Facebook post.
She accuses the Dawson Springs Independent Schools of ignoring their own rules in the District Athletic/Extra-Curricular Handbook and Student Code of Conduct.
Walls says the school didn’t hold volunteer coaches like Tyson accountable for harassing players.
Worse, she claims a student sent intimidating messages and threats to witnesses in a team group chat to defend Tyson.
She and another parent gave screenshots with the student’s name to Principal Mr. Cavanaugh and the School Resource Officer.
They also reported verbal threats, but nothing happened; no punishment was issued. No action. Just silence.
Walls blurred names in the screenshots to protect the kids, but the tension is clear. Her son and other players saw it all in the “Ball 25-26” group chat without responding.
The first screenshot shows a player sharing a kentuckytoday.com article about Tyson’s threats.
Others react with “Are we serious?” and “Some of u need to grow up,” showing their frustration.
One admits to already knowing, calls it “bullshit,” and warns that it’ll spread on Facebook. Another hopes the “mfs that caused this don’t play this season,” targeting the witnesses.
The second screenshot keeps the drama going. One user says it’s “not that deep” but warns about screenshots.
Another tries to calm things down, pushing for team unity and maturity. He gets called a “good guy,” but pushback comes fast. The tension builds until someone gets kicked out of the group.
The third screenshot turns hostile. A user attacks “Nate,” saying, “f*ck Nate, we don’t need that nigga” with harsh words.
Others discuss an open run, warning about potential legal trouble if reported. They try to move past it, but the anger lingers, fading with questions about “the runs.”
Walls views this as witness tampering and bullying, particularly given Tyson’s upcoming court case. “Intimidating witness/victims in a court proceeding and bullying!” she wrote, upset at the school’s inaction.
Superintendent Leonard Whalen says Tyson is no longer volunteering, but parents like Walls feel it’s too late.
An ongoing investigation is promised, yet the harassing student continues to participate in sports without consequence.
Her Post Connected with Many People and Received Strong Support Online
Pamela Cummins cheered her on:
“Don’t back down keep fighting until you get your answer. Call the news people put it all over tv. I remember in Princeton years ago a kid wore a shirt to school and they didn’t like it. They called the news and made a big stink. Sometimes that’s what it takes, and you might find other students and parents with the same issues.”
Via Facebook
Another person, Katie Cullen, asks a question that points to the core problem.
“Who holds them to that standard?? And who disciplines when it’s not followed??”
Walls replied in the comments, quoting the 2025-26 Student Code of Conduct. She notes threats like these are a Class IV violation.
For a first-time Class III offense, punishments should include 8-10 days of in-school suspension, 5-10 days of out-of-school suspension, or participation in the Alternative Learning Center program.
She wrote.
Nothing was done. The student is still playing sports with zero consequences.
Melinda’s husband, David Walls, joined her at a recent school board meeting, worried about their son’s safety and demanding answers.
Other parents have shared similar concerns in local news, stating that the district is slow to protect children from both adults and peers.
As the investigation continues, the fight for accountability grows. Will the school board act, or will it take TV coverage and viral posts to force change?
For families like the Walls, it’s about trust, safety, and a kid’s chance to play without fear.
