The Emporia Police Department continues its investigation into allegations of misconduct by at least one and possibly several members of the Emporia High football team.
USD 253 Communications Director Lyndel Landgren says the investigation began after a currently-unspecified situation came to light. He says concerns such as the one that launched the EPD investigation are thoroughly reviewed by district administration, with appropriate steps taken that follow board policies.
Police Capt. Ray Mattas says the early investigation is focused on an unlisted number of juveniles, which severely curtails the amount of information officers can release.
Since those statements, officials have been tight-lipped. USD 253 Board President Leslie Seeley has declined comment beyond Landgren’s initial statement, including when asked about the board and board policy roles in determining final outcomes in cases such as this. Lyon County Attorney Marc Goodman has also declined comment when asked for an update.
Emporia Police had a misconduct call listed on its daily logs as reported by Emporia High Principal Dathan Fischer a bit before 4:30 pm Monday, but Mattas cannot confirm whether the call is related to the investigation.
This is the second allegation of abuse or misconduct regarding the football team in three years. The Board of Education terminated prior head coach Corby Milleson’s coaching contract in 2020 after allegations of verbal abuse from Milleson towards a player aired on a Topeka TV station midway through the season. The board allowed Milleson, who had coached Emporia High since 2014, to get his full coaching pay for the season.
Keaton Tuttle was initially named as Milleson’s interim replacement and was later named the permanent head coach.
9 am Tuesday: Emporia Police investigating alleged misconduct incident involving Emporia High football team
Emporia Police is investigating an alleged misconduct incident involving the Emporia High football team.
USD 253 Communications Director Lyndel Landgren says the investigation began after a currently-unspecified situation came to light. Monday’s practice was canceled as part of the investigation process. The team is practicing as scheduled Tuesday.
Landgren says concerns such as the one that launched the EPD investigation are thoroughly reviewed by the district administration, with appropriate steps taken that follow board policies.
Further details about the alleged incident are pending from Emporia Police. Capt. Ray Mattas says the early investigation is focused on an unlisted number of juveniles, which severely curtails the amount of information officers can release. Emporia Police had a misconduct call listed on its daily logs as reported by Emporia High Principal Dathan Fischer a bit before 4:30 pm Monday, but Mattas cannot confirm whether the call is related to the investigation.
Landgren says there will be no further comment from district administrators or football coaches at this time.
KVOE News and KVOE Sports will have more on this situation as it unfolds.
