August 8, 2025

D.W. Daniel High School Football Coach Reinstated Amid Investigation

News Summary

Chris Stone, head football coach at D.W. Daniel High School, will return to his position on August 9 after being placed on administrative leave due to a summer camp incident that resulted in several students facing criminal charges. The school district has committed to a thorough investigation while expressing disappointment regarding the events that transpired. As the situation unfolds, the implications for the football program and the students involved remain a focal point for the community.

Pickens, South Carolina – Chris Stone, the head football coach at D.W. Daniel High School, will be reinstated to his position on August 9 after being placed on administrative leave following a summer camp incident involving several students. Stone, who has been with the football program since April, was suspended after an altercation during a camp hosted by Presbyterian College for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on July 7 that left one student injured.

The incident, which was captured on video and shared widely on social media, reportedly shows at least two students attacking another student. This altercation has resulted in criminal charges against several individuals, prompting the district to take immediate action concerning Stone’s role as coach and teacher.

The School District of Pickens County has stated they will not provide further details regarding the personnel issue related to the reinstatement of Coach Stone. They emphasized the importance of allowing him to return to his duties without disruption as the investigation continues.

In addition to Stone’s return, the school district has committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the football program and the circumstances that led to the incident at the camp. This investigation coincides with actions being taken by local law enforcement and the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office regarding the criminal charges related to the altercation.

The Pickens County School District Board of Trustees has expressed their shock and disapproval of the incident, categorizing it as serious and unacceptable. The board has instructed district administration to maintain cooperation with both Laurens County law enforcement and their internal investigations as they work through the ramifications of the events that transpired.

Due to student privacy laws governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the school district is restricted from disclosing specific details about the students involved or the disciplinary measures taken against them.

The family of the injured student has engaged legal representation from the Moorhead Lefevre Law Firm and the Kyle J. White Law Firm, indicating potential legal implications stemming from the incident. The ongoing legal proceedings might reflect the seriousness of the altercation and its effects on all parties involved.

In terms of criminal proceedings, the campus police at Presbyterian College have referred the case to the state Department of Juvenile Justice, as well as to the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, ensuring that the matter is pursued with the attention it warrants. Attorney David Stumbo of the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office has made it known that updates on the case will be shared as permissible by law, thus keeping the public informed within the constraints of legal protocols.

As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on the reintegration of Coach Chris Stone into the D.W. Daniel High School football program and the ongoing investigations that aim to address the alarming incident from the summer camp.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Rising Concerns Over Youth Sports Conduct Following Assaults
Investigation Underway After Violence at Christian Football Camp
Pickens County School District Investigates Football Camp Incident
Violent Altercation at FCA Football Camp Involves Students
Daniel High School Football Players Involved in Violent Incident at Presbyterian College
Violent Incident at Presbyterian College Summer Camp Involves High School Students
Assault Involving D.W. Daniel High School Football Players Raises Concerns
D.W. Daniel High School Football Coach Placed on Leave Amid Investigation
D.W. Daniel High School Football Team Under Investigation

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.