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SOUTHLAKE, Texas - The suspended head football coach at Southlake Carroll High School said he was surprised when the school district placed him on paid administrate leave.
Coach Hal Wasson has led the team for more than 10 years. Earlier this week he was suspended while the district said it is investigating the football team’s compliance with University Interscholastic League rules and regulations.
Wasson was going to attend a coaching clinic in Alabama this week but canceled his appearance once he found out about the investigation.
In a statement, the coach’s attorney said Wasson and his staff have always endeavored to do things the right way. He wishes it would have been handled differently, but looks forward to defending himself and his program.
“While Coach Wasson is understandably embarrassed about being placed on involuntary leave, he actually welcomes the scrutiny of the Dragon program and his actions as head football coach,” said Attorney Karl Tiger Hanner. “I can assure you that he intends to cooperate fully with the district during this investigation. Hopefully, the outcome will be driven by the facts and not politics or personal agendas.”
Carroll ISD has only released a broad statement about the investigation, saying the culture of the football program is being reviewed along with its compliance with UIL rules and core values.
Hanner says he doesn't know what "core values" are, and the ambiguity could mean the school district can decide whatever it wants.
Wasson’s attorney says it's conceivable the coach can return to the Dragons and continue building “a stronger foundation at Southlake Carroll.”
Wasson is the only person who was suspended for the review, which is being conducted by the athletic director, athletic superintendent and the district’s human resources department.