The Selma Times-Journal

A fight that broke out between a Southside coach and three students has led two families to press charges.

Football coach Christopher Raymond was involved in a physical confrontation Monday afternoon with Glenn MCDaniel and Clenton English, both 18, and a third student who is a ninth grader.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department dispatched four units to the school at approximately 1:40 that afternoon.

The fight started after McDaniel was seen leaving campus unauthorized with two unidentified students.

“He came and asked me if I told anyone he left campus,” Raymond said. “I told him I left a notice some kids had left, but I didn’t say who. Then he followed me from the office down to my classroom like he wanted to do something to me. He pushed me in the back and came after me, and then I had to defend myself. His uncle (English) came around the corner. He didn’t really know what was going on, but he jumped in the fight, too.”

Raymond said as of Wednesday, he had not talked to any school administrators about possible disciplinary action.

Southside principal Bailey Dawson declined comment.

The minor, McDaniel’s brother, later got involved in the fight. The students said Raymond was the aggressor.

“I asked him if he told the assistant principal (Curtis Williams) if we left campus, and he told me he hadn’t even talked to him,” McDaniel said. “He moved me to push me out of the way, I pushed his hand back and he punched me in my face. I met my little brother when I was walking back to the office, and he started trying to fight my little brother.”

English was in the band room when he heard about the incident and asked permission to leave. He went to the front of the building, and Williams immediately tried to stop him.

“Coach Raymond reached across the assistant principal and punched me in my face,” English said. “I guess he felt the need to defend himself because he thought I might try to do something to him, but I wasn’t.”

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Until then, no legal action can be taken.

“They have to have the probable cause meeting before any petitions or warrants can be signed,” said Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Pugh.