Eric James, a renowned North Carolina-based coach who recently resigned as the University of Mount Olive’s head women’s flag football coach, has now deleted all his social media accounts.
The Rose Hill, North Carolina native, Eric James, took to his now-deleted Instagram to share a statement announcing his departure from the University of Mount Olive.
The post reads:
“After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down as the Head Flag Football Coach at the University of Mount Olive. Coaching this team has been an honor and a true privilege. I am incredibly thankful for the dedication and passion of our players, the support of the administration staff, and the encouragement from the University community.”
The North Carolina Beat
While Eric James didn’t mention the reasons behind his resignation, leaving many to wonder, according to reports, he resigned as the University of Mount Olive women’s flag football coach following sexual assault allegations by a female athlete.
Reports state that Eric James resigned just hours before a scheduled meeting following the allegations that he inappropriately touched players and tried to have sex with them.
A 17-year-old University of Mount Olive player revealed that she was r**ed by coach Eric James, and many other female athletes are also coming forward accusing James of Sexual assault.
Many in the comment sections of Eric James’ post expressed their outrage and asked authorities to take serious action against him.
University of Mount Olive Releases Statement Following Sexual Assault Allegation Against Eric James
Following the serious sexual assault allegation against Eric James, the University of Mount Olive released an official statement confirming that Coach James is no longer employed at the University.
The statement further reads:
“UMO holds its employees to high standards and expects all faculty and staff to uphold the University’s covenant.”
The NC Beat
The statement added that a closed-door meeting with the involved parties will be held to discuss next steps, and as this is a personnel matter, no further comment can be provided at this time.
The university is also now immediately searching for a new women’s flag football coach.
Furthermore, the investigation is ongoing, and Eric James, who has now deleted all his social media accounts, remains silent. Many also state that this is not the first time he has exhibited such behavior, as he allegedly did the same at previous schools and colleges where he coached.
Before joining Mount Olive, Eric James served as defensive line and assistant strength & conditioning coach at Guilford College, where his team, the Quakers, ranked near the top of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in several categories.
He also served as defensive coordinator and strength & Conditioning coach, as well as head coach for the track & field and JV Boys’ Basketball teams at Jones Senior High School.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Eric James graduated from Wallace-Rose Hill High School in 2017, where he won three state championships as a defensive lineman.
- He also won several honorable titles, including Defensive Lineman of the Year, All-Conference, and All-Duplin County 1st Team, while in high school.
- He attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and graduated in 2023.
