Jerry Fulks, an associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Guntersville High School in Alabama, has resigned after being arrested on suspicion of public intoxication during a botched secret scouting attempt at a rival school's football event.
The 45-year-old coach, who also worked as a gym teacher at the school, submitted his resignation during a special meeting of the Guntersville City Board of Education on Monday following his arrest last Friday.
Fulks had attended a preseason football jamboree hosted by nearby Arab High School alongside several other coaches from his team. The Guntersville leaders had hoped to analyze the opponent they were scheduled to open their season against, according to the Hartselle Enquirer.
High school football jamborees in Alabama serve as preseason exhibition events where teams scrimmage before official schedule play begins. Both Guntersville High School and Arab High School are located in Marshall County in northern Alabama.
Fake Press Credentials and Arrest
During the event, Fulks attempted to gain access to the stadium sideline by falsely telling police officers that he was a reporter for the Birmingham News.
Officers from the Arab Police Department grew suspicious of his behavior while speaking with him and escorted him out of the stadium.
"While speaking with Mr. Fulks, officers suspected he was intoxicated and escorted him out of the stadium," the Arab Police Department told the Hartselle Enquirer.
"Following a brief investigation, officers determined that Mr. Fulks was intoxicated," the police department added.
After being escorted outside the stadium, Fulks was given a field sobriety test. It was during this assessment that he reportedly disclosed his true identity to officers and expressed fear that the incident would make the news.
Online court records show that Fulks was processed and booked into a Marshall County jail at 11:59 p.m. last Friday. He was released on bond the following morning.
School Board Action and Resignation
Following the incident, Guntersville City Schools superintendent Brad Cooper issued a statement regarding the employee's arrest.
"Guntersville City Schools is aware of an issue involving a school employee," Cooper said in a statement reported by the Hartselle Enquirer. "Because this is a personnel matter, we will not comment on specific details or any actions that may be pending. As always, we take all personnel matters seriously and will handle this situation appropriately and in accordance with district policies and applicable law."
The school district formally accepted the coach's resignation during a special meeting early Monday morning.
"The Guntersville City Board of Education accepted Mr. Fulks' resignation during a special-called meeting this morning," the school district said in a statement. "Effective today, Mr. Fulks is no longer employed by Guntersville City Schools. Because this is a personnel matter, the district will not comment further regarding the circumstances surrounding his resignation."
Fulks had been preparing to start his first season as defensive coordinator and associate head coach at Guntersville High School prior to his resignation.
