Milton Boys' Basketball Coach David Boyd Resigns

UPDATED 11:10 a.m.

boys basketball coach resigned after the school self reported allegations of "undue influence" in its boys" basketball program.

David Boyd resigned from the Fulton County Schools system on Monday, Sept. 10, according to Samantha Evans, Fulton Schools' spokesperson.

"Milton High self-reported allegations of what the Georgia High School Association terms 'undue influence' in its boys' varsity basketball program," Evans said. "Due to these allegations, there will be a varsity boy's basketball coaching change."

"As we move forward there will be a thorough investigation and the development of a comprehensive strategy to move our program to new heights of integrity and excellence," said Milton Principal Clifford Jones in an email to parents on Sept. 10.

According to the Milton Eagles basketball website, Boyd had a record of 573-186, including  14 region titles, 12 Elite Eight’s and 10 Final Fours. He is 9-0 in those Final Fours and has gone on to win 6 State Championships. He is the only coach is state history to win 5 State titles at 4 different High Schools. The latest state titles were with Milton High in 2010 and 2012.

The GHSA has been informed that a report is being prepared about some recruiting allegations at Milton High, said Steve Figueroa, GHSA director of media relations in an email response to questions.

"Obviously we don't know any specifics at this time since we have not seen the report yet," he said.

The Georgia High School Association defines recruiting and undue influence as "the use of influence by any person connected directly or indirectly with a GHSA school to induce a student of any age to transfer from one school to another, or to enter the ninth grade at a member school for athletic or literary competition purposes, whether or not the school presently attended by the student is a member of the GHSA," according to its bylaws and constitution found online.

"In the days ahead, the focus will be to support our student athletes, their families and the program," Evans said.

According to the GHSA constitution, the use of undue influence to secure or retain a student for competitive purposes is prohibited. Penalties can be assessed against either school involved in the transfer. And the student may forfeit one year of eligibility from the enrollment date.

Evidence of undue influence includes, but is not limited to:

• Personal contact initiated by coaches, boosters, or other school personnel in an attempt to persuade transfer
• Gifts of money, jobs, supplies or clothing
• Free transportation
• Free admission to contests
• An invitation to attend practices and/or games
• A social event (other than an official schoolwide Open House program) specifically geared for prospective athletes
• Free tuition beyond the allowable standards found in by-law 1.82
• A coach asking a prospective student for contact information

Even boosters can fall afoul of these rules, which can cause problems. They don't have to belong to the booster club, either. The GHSA considers the following persons or groups as boosters: members of the school's Booster Club; alumni; parents; guardians; or relatives of a student or former student; financial donors; or donors of time and effort.