MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Parents at charter school Freedom Preparatory Academy are seeking an explanation for the Tennessee Titans shutting down their entire football program just one year after the team donated $50,000 to the team.
Parents received a letter during an emergency meeting Wednesday informing them that the middle school and high school football programs have been canceled.
One mother, who wanted to keep her identity secret to protect her middle school-aged son, aired her frustrations.
“It was heartbreaking to see grown men crying, teachers crying, older boys crying,” she said.
WREG reported in April 2023 that the Tennessee Titans awarded the school $50,000 directly for football, which included field upgrades, bleachers, lighting, scoreboard and more.
A year later, the mother said the main reason for the closure was financial issues.
“They called us into a meeting and said they were closing the football team because they were $100,000 in debt,” she said. “I want them to understand where the funds were going.”
Former coach Desmond King provided WREG with recent photos of the field, and he said no improvements have been made.
“This is more than just a game. The boys are looking forward to this,” King said. “A lot of the boys don't have father figures at home, so the coaches become their mentors. My son is looking forward to going to school too.”
WREG reached out to the school and the Tennessee Titans to find out how the $50,000 donation was spent but did not hear back.
Parents say they plan to consider their options over the summer holidays.
