Beaverton, OR – A series of lawsuits is being initiated against the Beaverton School District involving a former high school football coach accused of inappropriate conduct during a sports camp at Linfield University this past summer. The initial suit, filed on Friday, marks the beginning of legal challenges directed at the district for retaining Jamal Jones, who is alleged to have engaged in disturbing behavior that caused harm to multiple student-athletes.
The incident, which occurred overnight during the third day of the camp on June 25, involved Jones allegedly consuming a substantial amount of alcohol before physically interacting with the students. Reports indicate that some teens were slapped or grabbed by Jones as they slept, actions captured by some students on cell phones. According to the legal complaint, the district had overlooked multiple warnings regarding Jones’ potential threat to students’ well-being.
Reactions among the players to the physical contact varied; while some reported feeling minimal discomfort, others experienced significant pain. One affected student described his pain as “an 8 out of 10.” Parents and students alike have expressed distress and disappointment over the handling of the situation by school officials.
Portland attorney Michael Fuller, representing the aggrieved parties, anticipates filing additional lawsuits soon. One plaintiff, Tiare Kurkowski Afoa, is seeking damages of up to $125,000 on behalf of her 17-year-old son, citing both physical and emotional impacts from the incident. Her son experienced a visible red welt and emotional distress severe enough to prevent his return to regular team activities.
Compounding the issue, incidents of aggressive behavior and derogatory comments from Jones had led several students to transfer schools. Two other coaches have also left Westview High School, though their reasons have not been made public.
The school district, through spokesperson Shellie Bailey-Shah, declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Similarly, Jones, now represented by defense attorney Bracken McKey, has not provided a statement regarding the allegations. Jones is facing 12 counts of misdemeanor harassment tied to the camp events and is set to enter a plea shortly.
Jones stepped down from his coaching position the day following the incidents at the camp, and the district has since appointed former Ducks player Dan Weaver as the new head coach. Notably, Jones is also a police officer in Hillsboro and has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
Kurkowski Afoa stated that despite her earlier concerns about the coach’s aggressive methods and negative impact on her sons’ experiences and the team’s performance, she had opted not to move her children to a different school. She regretted that decision in light of the recent events.
These lawsuits emerge amid ongoing questions about the standards of behavior expected from those in coaching positions and the mechanisms for oversight and accountability in educational athletics programs. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of these cases might influence policies related to hiring and monitoring school staff to better ensure student safety and well-being.