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SCHS Coach Fired Despite No Misconduct, While Collins Coach Accused of Grooming a Minor Was Suspended with Pay and Reinstated Before Victims Could Even Submit Statements

By Rachel Davis

SCHS Coach Fired Despite No Misconduct, While Collins Coach Accused of Grooming a Minor Was Suspended with Pay and Reinstated Before Victims Could Even Submit Statements

Trust and mentorship are the foundations of a positive student-athlete and coach relationship.

December 11, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 10, 2026

Paulina Bubblez alleges that the district fired the Shelby County High School football coach with no hesitation, but only suspended Collin’s basketball coach with pay, who was inappropriate with minors.

Collin’s coach, Chris Gaither, groomed an underage high school student and subsequently persuaded them to have an intimate relationship immediately following graduation.

Coaches hold a unique position of authority, influence, and responsibility.

They are role models and build trust while nurturing the students’ skills, confidence, and character within clear, professional limits.

However, the scenario of a coach grooming a student and then pursuing a romantic relationship immediately after graduation is a serious breach of ethics and law.

Schools and sports leagues have strict codes of conduct and training to prevent such situations. A true mentor empowers a student to grow and succeed on their own terms, without conditions or personal exploitation.

Also, see:

Unequal Treatment: How Shelby County Handles Two Very Different Coaching Scandals

The Shelby County Public Schools district has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of two separate cases involving high-profile coaches.

The stark difference in their treatment has raised serious questions about the district’s priorities and procedures.

According to social media posts from community member Paulina Bubblez, the district was swift to fire the SCHS football coach while taking a much more measured approach with Collins’ basketball coach, who faced allegations of grooming a minor.

Chris Gaither, the longtime boys basketball coach at Collins High School, was suspended with pay on November 17, 2026.

According to Josh Rhodes, a spokesperson for Shelby County Public Schools, the suspension followed an accusation brought to the district’s attention.

Any time we have an accusation brought to the district, districts are going to take that very seriously. Our responsibility is to protect the safety and due process of all of the individuals involved. We did an internal review in collaboration with our board attorneys, and we did reinstate Coach Gaither at Collins.

The case was complicated with an ongoing legal matter.

Gaither filed a defamation lawsuit in Shelby Circuit Court against

In court records, the parents stated they were not trying to slander Gaither but were raising concerns to school administrators.

🤔🤔 but ppl in the Shelby County groups didnt want to hear none of this about their precious Collin’s basketball coach.

In contrast, Bubblez alleges that the Shelby County High School football coach was fired with no hesitation, and he was not once inappropriate with children.

According to her post, players were so loyal to this coach that they left the school when he was dismissed. The district’s communication about this case is not detailed in official reports. 

The different outcomes have sparked outrage, and Bubblez questioned the fairness.

How does that make sense?!

Furthermore, Bubblez noted that Gaither was reinstated before the victims could turn in a written statement.

Her sentiment highlighted a concern about due process and whether victims are given adequate time and opportunity to present their cases before decisions are made.

No one likes to believe someone they know could be a POS. I applaud this young lady here!! 👏🏼👏🏼 EXPOSE THE MF.

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Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

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