A months-long investigation by Blount County Schools has concluded that former Heritage High School football coach Joe Osovet tried to pressure athletic trainers and a student-athlete about concussion protocols after a September 25 game against Carter High School. The findings, corroborated by multiple witnesses according to the district, describe a coach who allegedly pressured the player about getting back on the field the following week.
According to WATE, administrators received a report following the September 25 game that Osovet had attempted to pressure the assigned athletic trainers and the player himself about getting back on the field the following week. The outlet reported that the district's investigation found Osovet tried to interfere with established concussion protocols, and that he denied the allegations even as multiple witnesses corroborated the account.
The district's investigation found that Osovet tried to interfere with established concussion protocols.
The Concussion-Protocol Allegations
The district's investigation found that Osovet tried to interfere with established concussion protocols.
WATE reported that Osovet denied the allegations.
Discipline, Dismissal and Conflicting Timelines
Blount County Schools spokesperson Justin Ridge said the findings were serious and fell short of the professionalism and accountability standards expected of district employees, adding that the school system remains committed to employee accountability and student safety and well-being. WATE reported that Osovet was handed a three-day suspension without pay and would be reassigned to a position outside Heritage High School, while Knox News reported he would also be placed on a formal plan of improvement in addition to the reassignment.
The two outlets also diverge on the timing of Osovet's removal as head coach. Knox News reported that Osovet was fired as Heritage's football coach on October 20, while WATE reported that the district announced on October 21 that he had been fired amid an ongoing personnel investigation.
