Attorney: Carroll football coach ‘stunned’ by allegations, eager to defend himself
The Austin-based attorney for Southlake Carroll head football coach Hal Wasson — who was placed administrative paid leave Wednesday pending a review of the program— said his client was “stunned” by the school district’s decision and “welcomes the scrutiny.”
“To be honest, Coach Wasson was stunned when the Carroll ISD Administration informed him that he was being placed on administrative leave,” attorney Karl “Tiger” Hanner said in a letter Friday.
Hanner later adds: “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.”
In an email to Dragon Football Families on Wednesday, Carroll ISD superintendent Davis Faltys said the district had determined there was a need to conduct an internal review of the program, and the report would be shared with the UIL.
The review will focus on the culture of the football program, procedures as they relate to UIL rules and ensuring employees’ understanding and compliance with district policies, practices and guidelines. The review is being conducted by Carroll athletic director Darren Allman, assistant superintendents and the human resources department.
“Coach Wasson and his staff have always endeavored to do things the right way,” Hanner said.
Wasson, 61, has been head coach of the Dragons for 11 seasons, compiling a 121-25 record (.829 winning percentage). Carroll won the UIL Class 5A Division I state title in 2011. His team was 10-4 with an appearance in the 6A Division II state quarterfinals in 2017.
Also in the email, Faltys asked recipients to refrain from comment during the review.
“I can assure you that he intends to cooperate fully with the District during this investigation,” Hanner said. “Hopefully, the outcome will be driven by facts and not politics or personal agendas.”
Julie Thannum, Carroll assistant superintendent for board and community relations, said the district is still completing the review and expects it will be about a week before the report to the UIL is finalized.
“Carroll ISD would like to complete the review and share our findings with the UIL before commenting much further out of fairness to all involved,” Thannum said.
Hanner’s letter closed with: “Despite the fact that Coach Wasson wishes this situation had been handled differently, he actually looks forward to defending himself and his program during this process.”
This story was originally published January 26, 2018 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Attorney: Carroll football coach ‘stunned’ by allegations, eager to defend himself."