A group of Texas high school coaches is facing charges of putting junior varsity football players through a risky workout that allegedly endangered their lives, a startling complaint that has caused a stir in the sports and education communities.
The intense training session, held at Rockwall-Heath High School on January 6, 2023, reportedly led to the hospitalization of multiple students with symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition caused by muscle breakdown.
Former head coach John Harrell and a dozen assistant coaches allegedly forced players to perform up to 368 pushups in under an hour without rest or water breaks.
The lawsuit, filed by one of the affected players’ parents, claims the punishment was enforced after the students were penalized for every mistake made during the session, with each mistake costing them 16 pushups. In total, 23 mistakes were recorded, leading to a grueling 50-minute session that proved too much for many young athletes.
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Rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can lead to kidney failure, heart complications, and even death if untreated, was diagnosed in 26 players following the workout. Symptoms, including extreme muscle pain and darkened urine, began to appear within 24 to 48 hours after the session.
D Magazine reported in 2023 that many of the affected students exhibited elevated creatine levels, with some requiring weeks of hospitalization for recovery.
“This isn’t about being winded or sore from a workout,” the plaintiff’s lawyer emphasized during a press conference. “This is a life-altering condition with potential long-term consequences, and it’s not something anyone can just ‘tough out.’”
The lawsuit accuses the coaching staff of ignoring warnings from school officials against using physical punishment during training sessions. Alleged infractions that led to the pushup penalties included “wrong attire,” “negative interactions with coaches and peers,” “bad attitude,” and “not hustling.”
Further revelations indicate that some coaches may have attempted to silence the affected students. A confidential report presented in court suggested that a “whisper campaign” was initiated to intimidate players and discourage them from speaking out. Reports of bullying and threats against the injured players have added to the controversy.
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John Harrell, who was placed on administrative leave following the incident, resigned two weeks later, although he was not criminally charged, Harrell has reportedly settled two lawsuits with other parents over the workout’s aftermath.
His legal team has stated that the former coach sought to resolve the current matter out of court before the lawsuit was filed.
This case has drawn comparisons to a similar incident five years ago when numerous women’s soccer players at the University of Houston were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis following rigorous physical training.
