A social media post from Indiana sparked outrage after allegations surfaced that a Henryville High School basektball coach removed a student from the team in a humiliating and deeply personal manner.
The post, shared by Brad Winters, has drawn hundreds of reactions and comments from community members who say this is not the first time such behavior has been reported at the school.
Winter’s post begins with disbelief and disappointment:
“I never imagined having to post something like this, but after what’s happened, staying silent isn’t an option.”
Brad Winters
He explained that his younger brother, a junior at Henryville High, was dismissed from the basketball team, not for misconduct or performance issues, but because, as the coaches allegedly put it, “We simply don’t like you as a person.”
According to Winters, his brother has been dedicated to the program since middle school, demonstrating commitment and growth both on and off the court.
But during a meeting with coaches, he was reportedly subjected to a series of personal and degrading remarks.
Among them were, “You need to find God,” “We were better without you,” “Practices and games were more fun when you were gone,” “Your teammates got better when you left,” and “I enjoyed coaching when you left.”
Winters added,
“These comments are disrespectful, discriminatory, and emotionally damaging,” “Schools are supposed to be safe spaces where kids can learn, grow, and compete — not places where adults use authority to tear them down.”
Brad Winters
He went on to describe the emotional toll this experience has had on his brother, saying that it caused him to question his self-worth, faith, and place in his own community. He emphasized,
“That’s not something any teenager should carry because of the words of adults in power,”
Brad Winters
Winters confirmed that a formal complaint has been submitted to the Borden-Henryville School Corporation’s board (BHSC) and expressed gratitude to the school’s current principal, stating that the principal “has listened to our concerns and has not made any wrongdoing in this situation.”
The post gained traction online, with numerous community members voicing anger, empathy, and calls for accountability.
David Edwards was among the first to respond, asking,
I have to ask the “elephant in the room” question, what did he do that elicitited that response?
David Edwards
Josetta Danielle Smallwood wrote,
That’s messed up. Henryville has gone so far downhill
Josetta Danielle Smallwood
Bella Castro, an alumna, said the issue reflected a long-standing culture problem:
It’s so sad that henryville has seemingly not changed. Multiple people from our graduating class, including me, have had terrible experiences. I hope your brother can catch a break soon, and I hope you’re doing well.
Bella Castro
Kadie Case expressed outrage at the alleged comments:
I haven’t even been able to read the whole post because I’m driving, but just because of what the so-called “ coach “ said disgust me!! You’re supposed to be a leader, but yet you’re tearing down a teammate, a child who wants to play a sport and you’re just going to tear him down for no reason??? I really hate to say it, but it does not surprise me that this type of behavior came from Henryville!!! That is beyond unacceptable and I’m sorry that your little bro had to go through that I couldn’t imagine!!!
Kadie Case
Skylar Guernsey echoed the sentiment, saying, “That’s not a coach, that’s a bully.”
Peggy Powell linked the situation to broader issues of behavior in schools:
How do you expect children and young adults to not bully others when they watch adults bully their co-students. Every parent at that school should be standing up and talking. Being silent demonstrates the parents agree to this adult behavior. Remember this, your child could be next because someone will have to take this young man’s place for the bully to be content.
Peggy Powell
In a remarkably personal comment, Diane Moreland, identifying herself as the student’s grandmother, defended her grandson’s character:
David Edwards this is one of my grandsons; and even though I may be considered prejudiced, I have never known him to be anything but respectful towards adults and no matter what, no one, adult or child, should be treated like he was. He has participated in team sports since he was very young, and I doubt very much if you could find a more enthusiastic player than him on any Henryville team.
Diane Moreland
Amanda Mae Berkley, the student’s mother, later confirmed in the comments that the post referred to her son, Jacob. She condemned the coaches’ alleged behavior:
This instance is NOT the first time that Henryville’s school has failed a child and certainly NOT the first time they have failed one of my children. Jacob is a good student and dedicated athlete and leader. These words were delivered to a CHILD by grown men; men that are suppose to mentor and guide young men and women to be the best they can be in school, in sports and in life. Those men tore my son down; he will forever hear those words in the back of his mind no matter what he does. What if this was a child that didn’t have the family, love, and support that all my children know they have; because sadly, not every child does!!
Amanda Mae Berkley
Nancy Paragon urged, “Has Mom got a lawyer yet? She needs to for real because that’s just crazy.”
Julie McClanahan added,
What the actual f**k? Thats more than a complaint, thats a lawsuit!
Julie McClanahan
Others reflected on their own negative experiences at the school. Shae Hatter wrote,
This administration is so corrupt and has been for years. I am so sorry for every student who has gone through this— school should be a safe space for learning, yet grown adults continue to pick on and harass literally children. I’ve experienced it and so have many others, and it makes me so angry that it continues to be a problem.
Shae Hatter
Traci King shared a similar story:
I had a teacher tell my daughter the other day high school teacher that she would probably be better off to go online….who should say that to a student? Now, I cant even get her to go to school!!! Furious at that school
Traci King
Meanwhile, one commenter, Joe Adams, offered a supportive alternative:
If he was kicked off the team have him reach out to me as he can come play for us at River City Jaguars
Joe Adams
The post concludes with Winters affirming his family’s resolve to see the matter appropriately addressed:
“We’re hopeful that the district will handle this with integrity… Every student deserves a fair shot and a school environment that lifts them up, not one that breaks them down.”
Brad Winters
As of now, the school district has not released a public statement regarding the allegations.
