‘Last Chance U’ coach resigns after Hitler text
Adam Rittenberg reports on why Independence Community College football coach Jason Brown resigned his position. (1:08)
Independence Community College football coach Jason Brown, featured on Season 3 of the popular Netflix series “Last Chance U,” resigned Sunday after allegedly telling a German player on the team, “I am your new Hitler.”
Brown posted his resignation letter Sunday night on Twitter, writing “it would be nearly impossible to stay here.” He referred to a story last week in the Montgomery County Chronicle, which reported a text message exchange between Brown and freshman player Alexandros Alexiou, who had posted the texts on social media.
To all my fans, supporters, both past and present players, and coaches, please read the following letter that I have posted and please respect my decision. Much love to you all, W.I.N. FOREVER! Once a Pirate always a Pirate! #DREAMU pic.twitter.com/M88TcQKvDQ
Referring to disciplinary points that Alexiou had accrued for missteps, Brown allegedly wrote, “410pm on field u German f—. u have 17 points toward your 25 points … u got an extra point for not hanging the lion poster as instructed I’m your new Hitler figure out your life.”
Brown also threatened to take away Alexiou’s scholarship during the Feb. 12 exchange.
ICC president Dan Barwick told KOAM television in a statement that the college did not condone Brown’s language and was investigating. Barwick said he had addressed the incident with Brown, who “fully understands that his language was not appropriate.”
Season 3 of “Last Chance U” profiled Brown and the Independence team during the 2017 season, his second as coach. The show also chronicled ICC’s 2018 season and is set to air later this year.
In his resignation letter, Brown lists many accomplishments at the school, including the team’s academic performance and getting the team on “Last Chance U.”
He didn’t directly apologize for the text messages, only writing that the Chronicle “has greatly diminished my ability to successfully do my job, and has set this program back significantly, and the cumulative effect of all these detrimental factors I believe clearly constitute a constructive discharge of my employment.”