Tyler ISD announced today that Tyler High School Coach Lionel Wren has been fully reinstated with all professional and coaching responsibilities following the conclusion of investigations conducted by Tyler ISD, Tyler ISD Police, local law enforcement, and Child Protective Services.
The investigations stemmed from allegations claiming that Coach Wren physically assaulted a student-athlete during an incident at Tyler High School.
In response to the allegations, Tyler ISD immediately enacted district protocol, involved law enforcement, and contacted Child Protective Services in accordance with state law. Over the course of one week, approximately 60 student-athletes, witnesses, and staff members were interviewed by campus administration and Tyler ISD Police after City of Tyler Police initially engaged and shared information they had gathered.
The investigations overwhelmingly concluded that Coach Wren did not strike the student.
Investigators determined that Coach Wren restrained a flailing student-athlete who was experiencing an emotional outburst directed toward the coaching staff. Witness accounts consistently described Coach Wren attempting to appropriately calm the student, help him regain composure, and redirect inappropriate behavior, which included profane language and potential threats toward the coach.
Additionally, Child Protective Services officially closed its investigation and ruled out the allegation of physical abuse.
“It was determined that the coach’s actions were within professional bounds and consistent with maintaining expectations for student-athlete behavior and safety,” said Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford.
Dr. Crawford emphasized that Tyler ISD intentionally waited until all investigative agencies completed their work before publicly releasing information regarding the matter.
“Tyler ISD takes every allegation involving student safety seriously, and we will continue to do so,” Crawford said. “However, social media does not determine how we handle our personnel. While educational institutions - public, private, and charter - deserve scrutiny if they fail to act, unhinged individuals spewing venom in the public square will not determine the outcome of someone’s livelihood in advance of facts. Our school system will fly well above the gutter when we conduct our business, professional to a fault, in response to the endorphin-induced addictive online den of iniquity so many are entrapped; we will not participate. I appreciate those who don’t choose to put their business out there in the name of clicks.”
Crawford also addressed the public impact the allegations had on Coach Wren and his family.
“A respected educator and coach was subjected to intense public scrutiny, attacks on his character, and damage to his reputation over allegations that investigations ultimately determined to be unfounded,” Crawford said. “Those who rushed to publicly spread accusations without facts should reflect on the very real harm that was caused. An apology is owed.”
Despite the controversy, Crawford praised the conduct of the Tyler High coaching staff and student-athletes throughout the investigation.
“From the beginning, our coaches instructed every player to simply tell the truth,” Crawford said. “They also made it clear that if this student returns, he remains a member of the team and should be treated with dignity and respect. That speaks volumes about the character of our program and the expectations we have for our students and staff.”
Crawford reiterated that Tyler ISD will continue to thoroughly investigate all allegations while refusing to be influenced by social media pressure or outside commentary.
“We will always act professionally, thoroughly, and fairly,” Crawford said. “But Tyler ISD will not bow to social media hysteria, online trolls, or pressure campaigns fueled by emotion rather than facts. Our responsibility is to our students, our staff, and our community.”
Coach Wren will be reinstated with full coaching and professional privileges, and we look forward to seeing him coach the Tyler High Lions this fall.
“What I love about Tyler is the support this community shows its public school educators,” Crawford said. “Our teachers and coaches tackle one of the toughest and most important responsibilities in our country. Let’s continue to support them and trust them to fill the widening gaps that are persistent throughout our society.”
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.