News Summary
Dustin Sharp, a 17-year-old student from Braswell High School, is advocating for the removal of football coach Kent Laster due to allegations of manipulative leadership and a harmful environment for student athletes. At a recent Denton ISD board meeting, Sharp highlighted how Laster’s coaching style has led many athletes to leave the team, supported by a petition with nearly 400 signatures. The local district has acknowledged a formal grievance related to the situation while Coach Laster has not publicly responded. This issue raises broader concerns about athlete wellbeing and coaching practices in school sports.
Denton, Texas – A 17-year-old student from Braswell High School, Dustin Sharp, is calling for the removal of football coach Kent Laster due to allegations of toxic leadership and a detrimental environment for student athletes. Sharp raised his concerns during a public comment session at a Denton Independent School District (DISD) board meeting on Tuesday night.
In his speech, Sharp outlined how the current circumstances under Coach Laster’s leadership have prompted numerous student athletes to leave the team. He stated that Laster’s coaching style is “manipulative and demoralizing,” which he believes fosters an environment that fails to promote growth and positivity among students. As part of his advocacy, Sharp has collected nearly 400 signatures on a petition supporting his request for Laster’s removal.
Alongside Sharp at the board meeting were two supporters: a former football player and a current athlete from Braswell High School, both of whom brought their families to show solidarity with his cause. Their presence highlighted the collective concern within the student body regarding Coach Laster’s methods.
In response to these allegations, Denton ISD has acknowledged receipt of a formal grievance filed at the Braswell campus related to the situation. However, district officials have stated that they cannot disclose specific details about the grievance due to policies protecting employee privacy. According to district procedure, grievances are initially addressed at the campus level, with the possibility of escalation to district administration if the issue remains unresolved.
Despite attempts to contact Coach Kent Laster for comment, there has been no response reported. It remains unclear whether Sharp’s concerns were discussed privately during the board’s executive session.
This call for the coach’s removal adds to ongoing discussions about leadership and athlete wellbeing in school sports programs. The implications of athlete retention and the mental health environment fostered by coaches in high school sports settings have garnered increased attention in recent years. Parents, students, and school officials are increasingly prioritizing positive leadership behaviors aimed at nurturing student athletes’ overall experience.
As the Denton ISD community continues to deliberate on this situation, the outcome could influence not only the future of the football program at Braswell High School but also broader policies regarding coaching practices and student athlete support within the district.
Sharp’s actions reflect a growing movement among students to advocate for their rights and well-being, particularly within educational and athletic contexts. The district’s grievance process allows for structured handling of such issues, offering students a formal avenue to voice their concerns while ensuring that all parties involved are treated fairly.
The situation at Braswell High School serves as a reminder of the crucial role that supportive and positive leadership plays in the development of young athletes, as well as the ongoing dialogue about the responsibilities that coaches bear in shaping the experiences and futures of their players.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaver High School Aims for Third Straight 1A Football Championship
Texas Tech Football Sees Surge in Recruitment Commitments
Bill Belichick Takes Charge of North Carolina Tar Heels Football
Bedford Springs Golf Course Boosts Community Engagement
Bears’ New Season Brings Optimism with Caleb Williams
Indianapolis to Host WNBA All-Star Event
NBA Offseason Moves Reshape Team Roster Dynamics
Additional Resources
- WFAA: Denton ISD Senior Urges Removal of Football Coach
- WFAA Video: Denton ISD Student Calls for Coach’s Removal
- Star-Telegram: Denton ISD Football Coach Under Fire
- KCTV5: Former KU Football Coach Takes High School Job in Texas
- KUSports: Beaty Takes Job at Texas High School
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: High School Athletics Coaching Practices
- Google Scholar: Coaching Styles and Student Wellbeing in High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports
- Google News: Denton ISD Football Coach Removal
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
