JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Bartram Trail head football coach Cory Johns will be off the sidelines for a Week 8 game against Nease after the school self-reported a potential violation to the Florida High School Athletic Association.
News4JAX obtained a letter sent to parents from Bartram athletic director Ben Windle on Thursday morning notifying them of the changes. Assistant Tyler Thomas will serve as the acting interim head coach in Johns’ absence.
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“Yesterday I received information regarding a potential FHSAA violation involving Coach Johns. I proactively submitted a self-report to the FHSAA to allow them to review the situation independently. I’m hopeful for a prompt resolution,” the email read.
According to the email sent to parents, there is no timetable for a return for Johns. Self-reported violations include corrective actions schools can take to prevent future issues. In an email, the FHSAA said that it couldn’t provide further comment on Bartram’s self-reported violation.
The Bears have won back-to-back games after an 0-4 start as they head into a District 3-6A clash with Nease.
According to the FHSAA’s bylaws, there can be a combination of fines and suspension or probation to both schools and coaches for violations.
Bartram’s Week 8 opponent, Nease, is also without a coach, defensive coordinator, Robert Garth. He was suspended six weeks and fined $5,000 by the FHSAA for contacting a player who attended Sandalwood and inquiring where he would be transferring to.
According to findings from the FHSAA, Garth reaching out to the Sandalwood player was found to have violated Policy 36.3.2.1, which is sending, or arranging for anyone else to send, any form of written or electronic communication to the student or any member of his/her family, in an attempt to pressure, urge or entice the student to attend a different school to participate in interscholastic athletics.
Nease announced it would appeal, and that hearing is set for Oct. 16. Should that appeal be upheld, Garth’s suspension would end Nov. 5.