July 30, 2025

D.W. Daniel High School Football Team Under Investigation

News Summary

The D.W. Daniel High School football team faces serious allegations after a brawl at a Christian retreat led to an investigation. Multiple players are involved in an alleged assault over racial slur accusations. The victim has suffered injuries and concussion as a result of the attack. School officials are reviewing the incident while ensuring due process for all parties involved. The head coach has not commented publicly, and the team is under scrutiny as the investigation continues.

Clinton, SC – The D.W. Daniel High School football team is under investigation following a brawl at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) retreat that has led to serious assault allegations. The incident occurred off-campus on July 7, 2025, at Presbyterian College and involves multiple players from the school located in Pickens County.

Reports indicate that a confrontation escalated between players when one teammate accused another of using a racial slur, which the alleged victim denies. A video purportedly capturing the brawl is currently circulating online, showing members of the team attacking the alleged victim, who later recorded the assault while keeping his phone hidden under a dresser.

The altercation unfolded around 10:30 p.m. EDT, when the victim reported being confronted by three teammates after exiting the shower in his dorm room. Allegedly, one of the assailants had been hiding in a closet, while another was present during the confrontation. The victim stated that he was warned against escaping or denying the allegations, which could worsen his situation. During the attack, he reportedly sustained multiple hits to the face, stomach, neck, and back from the assailants.

Following the incident, campus police intervened by interviewing all four students involved. They concluded that there was no evidence supporting the claim that the victim used a racial slur. As a result of the assault, the victim has suffered a concussion and medical advice prohibits his return to the football team for the remainder of his senior season.

The School District of Pickens County is currently reviewing the incident and has expressed its commitment to implementing appropriate consequences for those involved, with a transparent investigation expected. The district clarified it would not factor in the football program’s past achievements, including an 11-2 record from the previous season, during this process.

Head coach Chris Stone of the D.W. Daniel football team has not released a statement regarding the incident and has since deactivated his social media accounts as the investigation unfolds. Despite the seriousness of the situation, reports indicate that the alleged assailants – described as “star players” on the team – have not yet faced any disciplinary actions.

The student who reported the assault has decided to press charges and has acquired legal representation. In a broader context, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization has acknowledged the incident and publicly stated that the behavior exhibited by the involved campers did not align with their core values. They reacted promptly by sending the involved campers home from the retreat.

As the investigation continues, the School District of Pickens County is ensuring due process for those involved. Possible consequences for the students could include suspensions or expulsions, although specifics may not be disclosed to the public due to the minors’ involvement in the case. The outcome of this investigation remains to be seen, and further details will be closely monitored by the community and stakeholders involved.

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