The interim head football coach at Apalachee High School resigned amid an investigation into racially derogatory remarks made at a recent junior varsity game. Charles Kenyon stepped down on Wednesday after reports surfaced that he told a recent graduate, “This is for whites only,” while grilling burgers at the concession stand on October 15.
Ray Michael Williams, whose son is a senior on the Apalachee football team, described the incident. Williams said his son was in the concession line when a recent graduate teased Kenyon about the burgers. According to Williams, Kenyon responded with the comment, “This is for whites only.” Shortly after, Kenyon overheard Williams’s son talking with a friend and told him to “go play guard for the band.” When the teen asked for clarification, Kenyon said, “Well, you know, color guard,” while pointing to Williams’s own skin.
Three parents volunteering at the concession stand heard the remarks, and one emailed Williams on the following Sunday. Williams said his son had not mentioned the incident earlier because Kenyon often joked around. “I’m not gonna accept it as a father, as an African American in the community, as a taxpayer,” Williams said. “It’s not acceptable.”
Williams contacted the superintendent’s office and the school’s athletic director the morning after the game, then reached out to the district’s human resources director, who apologized and launched an immediate investigation.
Apalachee High’s principal informed football families and other students about Kenyon’s resignation in an email. The message stated the resignation came during an investigation into reports of racially derogatory language. It also stressed that “any inappropriate or unprofessional statement or behavior, even if intended or represented as a ‘joke,’ will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.” The principal reminded everyone that all students, staff, and guests should be treated with dignity and respect.
Not all parents see Kenyon in the same light. Tyler Cash, a Black single father with a son on the football team, defended Kenyon’s character. Cash recalled a recent incident when his son went a week without lunch due to a school account issue. He said Kenyon stepped in and paid for his son’s meals out of his own pocket. “That man took out of his pocket. I can’t overlook that,” Cash said. He added that he did not know what was said at the concession stand but insisted, “He’s not a racist. That man is a genuine, loving man.”
Channel 2 Action News attempted to reach Kenyon for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Apalachee’s principal named Coach Alex Savakinas as the acting head coach for the remainder of the season. Savakinas was praised for his “positive leadership” and “steady guidance.” The Wildcats currently sit at 1-6 and are on their fourth head coach in less than four years.
Williams called for a thoughtful hiring process to avoid similar issues in the future. “I would like to see Apalachee be intentional on hiring the right person for the right job,” he said.
The investigation into Kenyon’s remarks remains ongoing as the school community processes the resignation and its wider implications.
According to Yahoo Sports.