Highschool football Coach Jim Sharkey is being investigated over several claims, including that he exposed himself to players at a leadership camp during the summer of 2016 and allowed hazing among his players.
A player who attended the camp came forward and said while Sharkey was grilling hot dogs when he placed his p*nis inside a hot dog bun and showed it to players. Sharkey allegedly said, “You think that is a big dog – take a look at this,” according to district records. Records show a variety of different versions of this statement from student players. The camp was held in August on an 1,000 acre ranch near Cataldo, Idaho. School records said Sharkey took the players there as part of a leadership exercise. The students camped in tents, swam in the river and removed downed tree limbs.
Sharkey had a meeting with the district’s Director of Certified Personnel Mary Templeton on August 31 to discuss the allegation. School records state that Sharkey told Templeton, “That is the biggest lie I have ever heard. 100 percent total lie.” There were also allegations that students who attended camp were driven around in vehicles by coaches who were under the influence of alcohol. Sharkey also denied those allegations to school officials but said the ranch hosts were drinking in front of the players at dinner.
Sharkey was then allowed to coach the football team to a 5-5 season. But more allegations were made in January.
On January 25, a student told school officials that Sharkey had called him a “dip s—” and said he was “going to punch him in the face.” On the same day, he allegedly called a cheerleader a “puck bunny” because she is friends with players on the Spokane Chiefs.
Then, by January 31 more and more students had come forward to complain about Sharkey’s conduct. Templeton again confronted Sharkey in a meeting over these claims.
Three students had allegedly reported about the malicious act the coach committed. It was also brought up that several students were also saying he was drinking on the porch at the camp and again he denied it. Sharkey was asked if he thought the students were lying and he said, “I don’t know. I am a football coach. I am a target.” Sharkey did not admit to other claims made by students.
School records show Sharkey was placed on paid leave starting February 1. Documents said his leave would continue until further notice.
