August 1, 2025

D.W. Daniel High School Football Coach Placed on Leave Amid Investigation

News Summary

Head football coach Chris Stone of D.W. Daniel High School in Pickens, SC, has been placed on administrative leave following an investigation into a physical altercation involving team players. The incident occurred during a summer football camp and has sparked concerns within the community, particularly regarding the safety of student athletes. The district is working with law enforcement as details unfold, raising questions about the football program’s conduct amidst upcoming preseason practices.

Pickens, SC – Chris Stone, the head football coach at D.W. Daniel High School, has been placed on administrative leave as the School District of Pickens County investigates a physical altercation involving players from the team. The incident occurred on July 7 during a Fellowship of Christian Athletes summer football camp held at Presbyterian College.

A spokesperson for the school district, Darian Byrd, confirmed Stone’s leave amid an ongoing investigation into the entire football program. Due to the nature of the case being a personnel matter, further details have not been disclosed.

The school district is following its disciplinary policies while cooperating with law enforcement in Laurens County. A video that reportedly shows the altercation has been circulating on social media, raising concerns among parents and the community.

The incident has drawn attention to the legal representation of a minor child involved, with the Moorhead Lefevre Law Firm and the Kyle J. White Law Firm indicating that the young individual suffered serious injuries and was described as having been “savagely beaten” during the altercation.

Stone was hired as the head coach in April, stepping into the role previously held by Jeff Fruster, who resigned after a successful tenure marked by three state championships over nine seasons. Before joining D.W. Daniel, Stone had notable achievements, including guiding Walhalla High School to its first playoff victory since 1995 last season. His coaching experience also includes positions as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Mauldin from 2019 to 2023, and offensive coordinator at Easley from 2016 to 2019.

As the situation unfolds, the timing is sensitive with D.W. Daniel High School’s preseason practice set to begin soon. The district is committed to adhering to federal student privacy laws (FERPA) and has stated that it will maintain compliance with the guidelines of the South Carolina High School League during the investigation.

The ongoing investigation raises serious questions about the safety and conduct within the football program at D.W. Daniel High School, which has long been an integral part of the community’s fabric. Stakeholders are awaiting the findings of the investigation, hoping for clarity and assurance regarding the measures that will be implemented to safeguard students in the future.

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D.W. Daniel High School Football Team Under Investigation

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