Former NFL Player and High School Coach Arrested for Alleged Sexual Misconduct with Minor: A Call to Address Sexual Assault
Former NFL player and high school football coach Herman “Jay” Graham III was arrested for allegedly trying to engage in sexual activity with an underage girl. The 50-year-old was taken into custody on prostitution charges and patronizing a minor aged 15-18. The arrest occurred after Graham responded to an ad on an adult website and communicated with an undercover officer posing as a 16-year-old girl. They agreed on a price for sex and arranged to meet at a hotel, where Graham was apprehended.
Graham, who was working as a substitute teacher and coach at Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee, was promoted to a full-time teaching position in July 2025. Following his arrest, the school's principal, Dr. Clarissa Haymon, informed parents about the situation. Graham was terminated from his coaching role and suspended without pay from his teaching position. The school also offered counseling services for students and addressed any concerns from the football team he coached.
Having played in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers, Graham transitioned to coaching in 2005. He worked at various colleges and universities in Tennessee before joining the coaching staff at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 2019. The school emphasized that there were no concerns for Centennial families regarding the incident but encouraged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
In light of this troubling situation, it is essential to address the issue of sexual assault. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).