Collierville Football Coach Resigns Over Angry Rant

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Updated: 10/25/2011 3:14 pm
COLLIERVILLE, TN (abc24.com) - Collierville High School Head Football Coach, Shawn Abel, has resigned over an angry rant that was caught on tape.

Before a game on Thursday, October 20, 2011, someone caught Abel on tape as he was lashing out at players, saying things like, "that's what's been our problem all d*** year, it isn't age, it isn't injury, it isn't officials," and "it's individuality.  Go f***ing play golf."

School authorities tell abc24.com that Abel has resigned and has been placed on paid administrative leave while the matter is reviewed.
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TEAMFIRST - 10/26/2011 7:31 PM
0 Votes
It seems this coach lost his team, which means they didn't respect him (anymore). His words no longer held any substance, so he went on a tirade. As an outsider, I can't put the blame on the coach or on the kids, since I don't know what goes on on a daily basis at practice. But if you read into his rant, these kids are not about "team." He never mentioned one players name, so it sounds like there are many players on this team that have no respect for authority, and they rather do things their way. Lets be real. This likely wasn't the first time this coach blew up. And if it comes down to a team against a coach, which may or may not be the case, a coaching change is the best solution. I don't believe this rant alone was worthy of resigning over. But it may be the best decision for the health of this team. In regards to his teaching job, the classroom and locker room are two completely different environments. He did nothing to prevent him from continuing to be effective in the classroom at Collierville High School.

kmdmh - 10/26/2011 10:45 AM
0 Votes
He doesn't teach Algebra, he teaches an advanced class. He has apologized. He appears sincere and embarassed. I don't think he should have to resign over this, nor should he be fired. Be the example Collierville, just like you ask your teachers to be. People make mistakes all the time and everyday. Times are tough, and frustrations sometimes get the best of us. I can assure you some of those children will hear way worst once they leave school and go out into the world. The military uses far worse in boot camp, inspiring our soldiers. I'm not proud of the words he used, but I am proud of the attempt by this teacher to care.

bsmoke67 - 10/26/2011 8:14 AM
0 Votes
What if he was a black coach and the kid was white? Would this be called a rant? Did the kid say he was ranting or cuss me the F&^K OUT>>>>

latwijit - 10/25/2011 8:13 PM
0 Votes
The prima donna that recorded it is the person that he is talking about. Instead of getting his head in the game, he'd rather play with his phone. What a wuss. He probably plays football to make his dad feel good. Get out of the locker room, go sign-up for ballet!

gma22 - 10/25/2011 1:10 PM
2 Votes
Oh for gosh sakes. I mean, if these kids are such namby pambys that some swearing offends them or even their stupid parents, they sure shouldn't be playing football. The other posters are right, we are raising generations of kids who whine about everything and maybe they should just "man up" for heaven's sake.

Golden Taint - 10/25/2011 12:00 PM
1 Vote
Amen Bosox. Anyone whining about a coach saying the "F" word to a teenager should go ask their parents what their coaches were like in high school. We're breeding a generation of sissy-fied, overpriviledged kids who will be in for a rude awakening when they enter the real world. In the real world, people might just yell at you if you suck at what you're doing. Might as well learn to deal with it.

BoSox - 10/25/2011 11:25 AM
1 Vote
Lind4899 and Baroquon, obviously you two didn't play sports in high school. My softball and soccer coaches yelled at us far worse than this. Yes, I said softball. I'm a girl, and I was cursed at between innings and timeouts. Did I cry or go whining to my parents or try to have my coach fired, no. While I do think that coaches need to set a good example for kids, I don't think they need to be fired for saying something that kids probably hear everyday from their own parents.

baroquon - 10/25/2011 10:03 AM
0 Votes
@Golden yes he is teaching kids algebra. Plus if he cant keep his temper under control he has no business near Highschool students. Highschool athletes need good role models not cursing thugs who are unable to express themselves without profanity. Further, that language would garner an R rating and many these kids aren't old enough to get into those type of movies.

lind4899 - 10/25/2011 9:51 AM
0 Votes
He is teaching children to play a "sport", that's right, a "sport". Teaching them to be competitive is one thing, insulting them is something else. Most of these children will not make a major league so it's not like this is something they will use to support them later in life. Again I say, THIS IS A SPORT, it is not their future occupation!

Golden Taint - 10/25/2011 9:39 AM
1 Vote
He's a highschool football coach. What's the problem here? He's not teaching algebra, he's motivating kids to smash into other kids for a living.
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