In a disturbing turn of events, Herman “Jay” Graham III, the head football coach at Centennial High School in Nashville, has been arrested on felony charges for attempting to solicit sex from a minor. The arrest was part of a sting operation conducted by the Metro Police Special Victims Division in collaboration with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, aiming to crack down on adults soliciting minors online.
Police reports indicate that Graham, 50, engaged in online communications with an undercover officer posing as a 16-year-old girl, after responding to an advertisement on an escort website. He reportedly agreed to pay $120 for sexual services and was apprehended at a Nashville hotel after handing over the cash.
During this operation, two other individuals were also taken into custody. Graham has been set a bond of $45,000.
Following the arrest, Principal Clarissa Haymon of Centennial High School informed parents via email that Graham has been terminated from his coaching role and suspended from his teaching job without pay.
Graham’s football journey began at the University of Tennessee, where he was a standout running back from 1993 to 1996. His professional career included time in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers. Prior to his role at Centennial High School, he coached at several prominent college football programs.
Metro Police have stated that their investigation is ongoing, highlighting the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from predatory behaviors. This case underscores the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of the community, particularly its younger members, as they work to combat online exploitation.