Clinton High athletic director resigns as investigation into grade change continues

ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) – As the investigation into grade-tampering at Clinton High School continues, the school’s athletic director has resigned.

Ryan Sutton, communications director for Anderson County Schools, confirmed to WATE that Clinton High School Athletic Director Nate Martin has resigned and left Anderson County Schools. Josh Reid has been named the new athletic director.

Emails obtained by WATE show that Martin reported to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association that a student on the team had not achieved the required number of credits to be eligible to play.

“If this continues, I will lose my job, but that is not fair. Our school is in the middle of a grade-change scandal that will soon make national headlines.
“The report card was forged and the school district has no idea who did it,” Martin wrote in an email to Mark Reeves of the TSSAA.

Clinton High School was fined $250.00 by the TSSAA for fielding an ineligible student-athlete in 13 varsity football contests. The school was also required to forfeit all victories for games in which the student participated.

In May, Sutton informed WATE that Darell Keith’s contract was not renewed for the 24-25 school year. Jason Hamock was named interim coach.

The investigation also resulted in two teachers being fired, the principal resigning, and other teachers receiving letters informing them that their contracts with the school would not be renewed. Robbie Herrell was named the new principal. On May 18, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office announced that an investigation had been launched and the District Attorney’s Office had asked it to look into the matter.