The Blackman High School Football Booster Club has caught the attention of the Tennessee Comptroller.
This is not a good thing for Blackman.
In a report released last month, the Comptroller determined there was more than $96,000 in coaches supplements and other questionable spending that came from two bank accounts operated by the football boosters. This is a major no-no, the Comptroller says, about payments that took place between June 16, 2011 and March 27, 2015. Perhaps not so coincidentally, the Blackman football coach resigned March 27, 2015.
Some of the questionable transactions included checks written to “cash” and marked with descriptions on the memo line such as: “coaches supplement,” “summer $$ #2,” “summer $ - final,” and “gift cards.” Other checks were written directly to coaches.
Booster club officials claim the former head football coach directed them to provide cash or purchase gift cards for himself, assistant coaches, and others. The former football coach denied receiving cash from football boosters other than reimbursements.
Comptroller investigators also questioned over $69,000 in fuel payments made by Blackman High School to a local gas station. Of this amount, $9,930 was used for fuel purchased by the former head football coach, or members of his family.
While the State Comptroller is shaking his finger at Blackman, my question is this. What’s wrong with giving a football coach money?
Most sports fans realize it takes money to compete when it comes to athletics. This is certainly true at the pro and college levels, but it also trickles down to high school – even middle school -- sports. If you have a talented coach who can build a winning program, this coach is going to expect to be paid.
What’s wrong with paying him?
Since school systems often don’t pay what first-rate coaches think they’re worth, there’s a scramble to make up the difference. Enter booster clubs and their often-large wallets.
I thought in America we could give money to whoever we please. If I want to give $500 to my church, I can. If I want to give $500 to grease the palm of a politician, I can. If I want to give $500 to a street beggar, I can.
But if I want to give money to my son’s high school football coach through a donation to the booster club, it triggers an investigation from the Tennessee Comptroller. I disagree.
I don’t see the Blackman Football Boosters as playing dirty. I see them as playing the game. It takes money to compete at every level of sports. If it’s my legally earned money, I should be able to give it to the person of my choice.