Hoover high school coaches sent on leave after video on potential abuse of players goes viral, investigations underway

Hoover High School, a public school in Birmingham, Alabama, has put its head coach, Drew Gilmer, and defensive coordinator, Adam Helms, on administrative leave, as per reports from WKRG Sports Director Simone Eli. The decision was made after videos of questionable behavior by the coaches during the Hoover practices went viral on social media.

Eli shared the snippets of those videos on her Twitter account, detailing the incident. In another video shared by Ryan Brown, co-owner of Disrupt Media, Helms was seen removing the helmet of a player who was lying down, whereas Gilmer was captured thrusting his hips towards the player’s face in a “humping” motion.

These incidents occurred during a recent practice event and were the main reason for the Hoover High School coaches being sent on leave, as per sources.

"The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities," Kevin Maddox, the Hoover Schools Superintendent said in a statement per WKRG. "We are taking this matter seriously and working diligently to resolve it promptly and fairly."

Gilmer led his previous high school, Clay-Chalkville, to a 6A state title last year. He came to the Bucs program in January this year.

Bucs players voice their support for Hoover High School coaches sent on leave

Following news of the coaches' placement on administrative leave, the players at Hoover High School, led by quarterback Mac Beason, rallied behind head coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms.

Multiple Bucs players voiced their support for their coaches on their respective Twitter accounts, including quarterback Mac Beason.

"We love coach Gilmer and coach Helms!" Beason wrote. "Ask any player on the roster. They’ve done a lot for us and the Hoover program. If the players want him as our coach, we should be able to keep him! He might coach a little differently, but that’s why he wins."

Defensive back Tre Darden also defended his head coach and claimed that he loves his head coach.

"Him and coach Helms have been two of the best coaches I’ve had in my life over the last few months. Ask anybody on our team. We all love him," Darden said. "Yes, they coach harder than most, but if you’re a real ball player, it brings the best out of you, and that’s why they win. If the players want him, we should have him."

The Hoover Buccaneers will open their 2024 season against Western High on Wednesday, August 24 in a national showcase event in Florida.