High school student from Braswell alleges football coach employs abusive methods and fosters a harmful atmosphere
In the heart of Denton, Texas, a controversy has been brewing within the halls of Braswell High School. Former and current football player Dustin Sharp has publicly accused Coach and Athletic Director Kent Laster of fostering a "manipulative and demoralizing" environment, which he claims has harmed athletes' mental health and led some to quit the team.
Sharp's allegations, first voiced at a Denton ISD board meeting, paint a picture of a culture rife with abuse and humiliation. He claims that Laster used abusive tactics in correcting and interacting with football players, with incidents dating back to May 2023. These allegations have led Sharp to call for Laster’s removal from his positions.
However, as of July 2025, there are no public updates or reported actions taken by Denton ISD in response to these grievances. Nick Petito, Denton ISD's new chief communications officer, confirmed that the district was notified of a grievance regarding a staff member but cannot share additional information due to privacy reasons.
Dustin Sharp is not alone in his accusations. Two additional grievances, filed by Colton Michaud and Jacob Villarreal, accuse Laster of being disrespectful and mentally abusive to athletes, causing emotional distress and lowering players' motivation.
The petition calling for Laster’s dismissal, initiated by Sharp, has garnered 410 signatures, with 62% of the signatures coming from users in North Texas. The petition's creators have heard from other families since its posting, indicating a wider discontent within the community.
Meanwhile, the Texas Education Agency directs parents and students to begin the formal grievance process at their campus, in writing. The Denton Record-Chronicle obtained copies of three Level 1 grievances filed against Laster with the district before June 21.
Khari Roulhac, the Boston-based president of GetPsychedSports.org, is advocating for a shift in youth sports culture. GetPsychedSports has developed a curriculum for youth sports anchored by social-emotional learning, allowing student athletes a voice in training and competition, and teaching them to advocate for themselves. Roulhac argues that coaches can build cohesion and trust by using constructive language and creating a constructive team culture, emphasizing that feedback is essential but should not be delivered in a fearful or humiliating manner.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that Dustin Sharp is not the only student who has been affected by the alleged toxic environment at Braswell High School. The future of Coach Laster and the football programme remains uncertain, with calls for change growing louder in the community.
- The controversial environment at Braswell High School's football program, as alleged by Dustin Sharp and other athletes, extends beyond the field, affecting their education-and-self-development and mental health.
- Khari Roulhac, president of GetPsychedSports.org, advocates for a change in the youth sports culture, suggesting that coaches can foster a healthier environment by using constructive language, promoting social-emotional learning, and allowing students a voice in training and competition, thereby preventing similar incidents in the future.
