UPDATE: Alleged abuse of Kirbyville athletes spurs investigation

Kirbyville ISD and police are investigating allegations of abuse of high school student-athletes. Kim Brent / Enterprise file photo
Kim Brent / Kim Brent/Beaumont Enterprise

Kirbyville CISD and police are investigating allegations of alleged abuse of high school student athletes in the district.

Police say they received a statement from one of the athletes and his parent on Tuesday. Since then, several more students have filed statements and more are expected to over the weekend, Kirbyville Police Chief Paul Brister said.

Brister said some of the students had “marks” on their bodies, but he declined to elaborate.

Texas Child Protective Services also is investigating, the police chief said.

Kirbvyille Superintendent Georgia Sayer addressed the matter in a statement

“This week, the district was made aware of a complaint regarding the administration of punishment within the Athletic Department,” Sayer said. “We take these complaints seriously, and are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. Because of privacy laws, we are unable to provide additional information at this time.”

Kirbyville CISD athletic director Craig Jones, who is also head coach for football and baseball, could not be reached for comment.

Jones announced last month that he would be resigning at the end of the school year.