August 1, 2025

Pickens County School District Investigates Football Camp Incident

News Summary

The Pickens County School District Board of Trustees is investigating a serious physical altercation involving Daniel High School football players during a summer camp at Presbyterian College. The incident, which resulted in injuries and criminal charges, has raised concerns within the community. The Board assures thorough investigation and disciplinary actions to maintain student safety, with support from local law enforcement and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Pickens – The Pickens County School District Board of Trustees is actively investigating a serious physical altercation that involved several football players from Daniel High School during a camp at Presbyterian College. The incident, which occurred on July 7, has raised significant concerns among parents and the community due to the involvement of minors and the severity of the event.

The physical confrontation took place during a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) summer football camp attended by the students. According to reports, the incident resulted in one student athlete sustaining injuries and has led to criminal charges against some of the individuals involved. The Board described the altercation as “serious and unacceptable” and has engaged both school administration and local law enforcement for a comprehensive investigation.

A disturbing video capturing the incident has circulated on social media, heightening scrutiny and concern among parents, students, and community members alike. The Pickens County School District is committed to investigating the matter thoroughly, working in cooperation with Laurens County law enforcement and the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Given the age of those involved, specific details about the individuals cannot be disclosed.

As part of the investigation, Coach Chris Stone, who has only recently taken over as head coach of the D.W. Daniel High football team, has been placed on administrative leave. He was appointed in April after the departure of former coach Jeff Fruster. The district’s spokesperson highlighted the importance of student safety and affirmed that the inquiry seeks to maintain the well-being of all students involved in this incident.

In light of the events, the Board assured the community that the matter will not be overlooked, and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the students involved, which may include suspension, expulsion, or removal from the football team. Further, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has publicly condemned the behavior observed during the camp, stating that it did not meet the organization’s standards.

The Board’s statement indicated determination to prevent similar incidents in the future and reinstated a commitment to ensure the safety of all students during school-related activities. The investigation is ongoing, and the Board will maintain communication and transparency with the public as more information becomes available, provided it conforms to federal laws governing minor privacy.

As the inquiry continues, the district aims to uphold its educational and athletic standards. The involved attorneys have described the incident as alarming, with claims that one player was severely beaten by his teammates during the altercation. This situation remains unprecedented for the school and the community, marking a critical point in assessing student conduct and accountability in athletic programs.

While specifics remain under wraps due to the privacy rights of minors, the Pickens County School District is dedicated to addressing this situation with appropriate gravity and seriousness it warrants. The collective efforts of the school board, law enforcement, and community stakeholders will play a significant role in navigating the repercussions of this incident and guaranteeing the safety and integrity of student-athletes in the future.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

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