The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS) has closed its investigation of former Rockwall-Heath head football coach John Harrell and the school’s program.
Harrell had been under investigation from a January 6 team workout that led to the hospitalization of many players with rhabdomyolysis — a potentially fatal condition stemming from intense exertion, heat exposure, and overuse that can damage the kidneys and heart.
Harrell was placed on administrative leave, and a third-party investigation was launched in addition to the CPS investigation.
Despite support from some parents and players, Harrell resigned as the team’s coach after the third-party investigation concluded that his offseason workout program was the cause of the affected athletes’ conditions.
“Following a thorough investigation, the investigators determined multiple student-athletes were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis resulting from a football workout,” a March email update from the district read in part.
“The investigators found sufficient evidence existed to support a finding that the offseason workout plan was implemented in a way that negatively affected the physical health of some student football athletes at Rockwall-Heath High School in violation of Rockwall ISD Board Policy. Due to confidentiality under Chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code, the district is unable to release specific evaluative information regarding District personnel.”
According to WFAA Dallas, the CPS investigation concluded “no abuse or neglect” was involved.
The district moved quickly to find a new head football coach and hired Rodney Webb, an experienced and successful high school football coach from Texas.
Webb previously coached at Rockwall High School, among others.
“Obviously, we moved quickly because the kids need to have a leader,” Rockwall ISD Athletic Director Russ Reeves told The Dallas Express about the hiring process last month. “We were able to interview and make a determination very quickly, which was in the best interest of the kids in the school.”
“We’re very excited to have Coach Webb back,” he added. “What he means to this community, he loves his community, and the community loves him. What he brings from a community standpoint is an unbelievable asset, but then you couple that with his coaching success, we can’t be more blessed to have him back.”