Texas high school football coach placed on leave amid misconduct allegations

Texas high school football coach and athletic director Jake Smith has been placed on administrative leave while his school investigates allegations involving a student-athlete and school employees. Howe ISD notified parents in a letter that Smith was placed on leave pending an independent investigation into allegations of overly aggressive and inappropriate behavior toward a student-athlete, according to KXII 12 News. The investigation will also examine allegations of inappropriate communications with employees that may have contributed to a hostile and unprofessional work environment. District officials said Smith's leave would allow a third-party investigator to conduct a thorough and impartial review.