A standout Roanoke Rapids High School football player is recovering from surgery after suffering a severe hand injury that cost him part of a finger, an incident the school district has labeled an act of bullying or hazing within the football program. Police are now investigating the Sept. 24 incident as a criminal matter, while the player's family says its focus for now is on healing, not litigation.
Adrian Epperson, identified by name with his parents' authorization, suffered several broken bones and lost a portion of a finger, according to WRAL, which reported he is recovering from surgery. The Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald reported that his medical condition and the full extent of his injuries were still being assessed.
Chrystal Redding, the attorney representing Epperson's family, said in a statement reported by RRSpin that the family's primary focus is Adrian's continued healing, safety, and security. Epperson, a juvenile, will cooperate with law enforcement, the family said, and his parents have voiced concern about the broader safety and security of Roanoke Rapids High School student-athletes and students.
School District Confirms Pattern of Hazing
The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District called the incident an instance of hazing or bullying, and its investigation — which included interviews with more than 20 players and other individuals, per the Daily Herald's report — uncovered additional misconduct involving bullying or hazing behavior by what the district described as a few individuals. Superintendent Bennett Jones told WRAL the district knew of more than one hazing incident occurring over a period of time, and the station reported separately that the investigation uncovered incidents of bullying and hazing within the program.
Head football coach Chris Lyons was suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation, with assistant coach Dre Terry named acting coach in his place, the Daily Herald reported. The Roanoke Rapids Police Department said it is actively investigating the incident as a criminal matter, and as of Sept. 29, no charges had been filed against any student over the age of 18 and no petitions had been sought against any juvenile student.
Family Says Legal Action Remains an Option
Redding said the family is not currently considering legal action but added that it certainly remains an option if it becomes necessary, according to the same report. She said students should not have to worry about bullying or hazing while learning, and said she plans to work collaboratively with stakeholders to resolve the underlying safety issues.
District 27 Rep. Rodney D. Pierce has publicly recognized Epperson, issuing a House resolution honoring him and describing him, per RRSpin, as an accomplished student-athlete in multiple sports, a well-mannered and well-spoken young man, and a well-rounded young man with a bright future. Pierce called the investigation heartbreaking and said Epperson deserves recognition for his accomplishments.
A Rising Track and Field Talent
Before the injury, Epperson had built a résumé far beyond the football field. He attended Chaloner Middle School, earned A/B honor roll recognition over his past two semesters there, and was recognized as MVP of the Roanoke Middle School Athletic Conference. Pierce described him as the fastest middle schooler in North Carolina in his age division.
Epperson qualified for the 2024 Adidas Track Nationals and improved his personal record in the 100-meter dash from 11.7 seconds to 11.4 seconds. He ranked among the top six nationally in the preliminary round before running 11.2 seconds in the championship finals, ultimately finishing third in the country in the event — a result Pierce's resolution also recognized. Outside of athletics and school, Epperson has operated a lawn care business alongside his grandmother, Terry Epperson, for the past two years.
