
A Textbook Case of Negligent Hiring
Phillip Koons, head coach and principal at Ringling High School in Oklahoma, faces charges for outraging public decency amid allegations of harassment and abuse within the football program. His actions, including racist, homophobic slurs, emotional manipulation, and inappropriate behavior, have prompted investigations. Despite prior complaints, the school board renewed his contract until criminal investigations led to his administrative leave and a renewed civil suit. Legal experts point to negligent hiring and the board’s failure to act on complaints as significant issues.