Denton, Texas, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Dustin Sharp, a 17-year-old student at Braswell High School, is calling for the removal of football coach Kent Laster due to allegations of toxic leadership. During a recent school board meeting, Sharp highlighted the negative environment reportedly created by Laster, which has led to many athletes leaving the team. He presented a petition with nearly 400 signatures in support of his request. The Denton Independent School District has acknowledged the grievance filed concerning this issue, although details remain confidential.
Student at Braswell High School Calls for Football Coach’s Removal Amid Allegations of Toxic Leadership
Denton, Texas – A student from Braswell High School, 17-year-old Dustin Sharp, is advocating for the removal of his football coach, Kent Laster, amid allegations of toxic leadership. Sharp made his appeal during a public comment session at the Denton Independent School District (ISD) board meeting on Tuesday night, where he raised concerns about the negative impact of Laster’s leadership style on student athletes.
In his three-minute address, Sharp claimed that the current environment under Coach Laster is “toxic,” prompting many student athletes to leave the team. To bolster his claims, Sharp submitted a petition containing nearly 400 signatures from those supporting his request for Laster’s removal. Alongside him at the board meeting were two supporters, including a former football player and a current athlete, who both attended with their families.
Sharp described Laster’s coaching methods as “manipulative and demoralizing,” suggesting that they do not foster an atmosphere of growth or positivity for student-athletes. He emphasized the need for changes in leadership to ensure a healthier and more encouraging environment for the students involved in athletics.
Following the allegations, Denton ISD has confirmed that a grievance has been filed at the Braswell campus concerning the situation. However, the district has stated that details regarding the grievance cannot be shared due to employee privacy laws. Denton ISD has a formal grievance procedure that begins at the campus level and can escalate to district administration if not resolved internally.
Efforts made to reach Coach Kent Laster for comment were unsuccessful, as no response was received from him following multiple inquiries. It remains unclear if Sharp’s concerns were addressed in a private executive session during the board meeting.
Background Context
Coaching styles can significantly affect the morale and performance of student athletes. In the wake of increasing awareness surrounding mental health and the importance of supportive environments in sports, allegations of toxic leadership in educational athletics are being scrutinized closely. The call for change at Braswell High School comes amid these wider discussions on the well-being of student athletes, echoing similar concerns elsewhere in the educational system.
Denton ISD has committed to maintaining the privacy of its employees while upholding accountability within its sports programs. As concerns regarding Laster’s leadership gain traction among students, parents, and the community, the outcome of the grievance process will be observed closely.
Next Steps
As this situation unfolds, stakeholders will monitor developments carefully. The grievance process provides a structured way for students and parents to voice their concerns, and it is an opportunity for Denton ISD to address the issues raised. The district’s approach to this matter may set precedent for how similar allegations are dealt with in the future.
FAQ Section
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What are the allegations against Coach Kent Laster?
Dustin Sharp has accused Coach Laster of maintaining a toxic leadership style that is demoralizing to student athletes, leading to some athletes quitting the team.
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How many signatures were collected to support the petition for Coach Laster’s removal?
The petition submitted by Dustin Sharp collected nearly 400 signatures from students and community members advocating for Coach Laster’s removal.
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What steps will Denton ISD take regarding the grievance filed?
Denton ISD follows a grievance procedure that starts at the campus level and can escalate to district administration if the issue is not resolved. The details of grievances are confidential to protect employee privacy.
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Was Coach Laster available for comment regarding the situation?
No, efforts to reach Coach Kent Laster for comments have not received a response.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Allegations | Toxic leadership by Coach Kent Laster, causing a negative environment for student athletes. |
| Petition Support | Nearly 400 signatures collected to support the removal of Coach Laster. |
| Grievance Process | A formal grievance has been filed with Denton ISD regarding Coach Laster, which follows a specific procedure. |
| Community Involvement | Support for Sharp’s claims was demonstrated through attendance at the board meeting by former and current athletes. |
| Communication Issues | No response has been received from Coach Laster regarding the allegations. |
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Additional Resources
- WFAA: Denton ISD Senior Urges Removal of Football Coach
- WFAA Video: Denton ISD Student Calls for Coach’s Removal
- Star-Telegram: Denton ISD Football Coach Under Fire
- KCTV5: Former KU Football Coach Takes High School Job in Texas
- KUSports: Beaty Takes Job at Texas High School
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: High School Athletics Coaching Practices
- Google Scholar: Coaching Styles and Student Wellbeing in High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports
- Google News: Denton ISD Football Coach Removal
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