Coach Admits To Paddling Students

Murrah High School basketball coach Marlon Dorsey has admitted that he has whipped his players with a weightlifting belt.

In a statement give The Clarion-Ledger on Sunday, Dorsey said, “I took it upon myself to save these young men from the destruction of self and what society has accepted and become silent to the issues our students are facing on a daily basis. I am deeply remorseful of my actions to help our students.”

The letter, addressed to parents and others, said the punishment was issued for a variety of reasons, including disrespecting teachers, stealing cell phones, leaving campus without permission, being late for class and not following the dress code.

Corporal punishment has been banned in Jackson Public Schools since 1991. Violation of the JPS corporal policy is punishable by disciplinary action up to suspension without pay and termination.

Dorsey told the newspaper that he has been suspended with pay.

This is Dorsey’s first year as head coach at Murrah; he was an assistant coach last year. The team begins its season on Saturday at home against Greenville.