Hoover, Alabama - Lawyers Juandalynn Givan and Reginald McDaniel held a press conference on Wednesday, speaking on behalf of the family of a 17-year-old Hoover High School football player. The family alleges that the player was subjected to extreme humiliation and physical abuse as depicted in a viral video from a team practice.

During the press conference, Givan expressed their support for the family, stating, "We are here for a family whose 17-year-old child has been subjected to an experience no child should ever go through, regardless if it's on the field of play." The lawyers condemned the acts committed by Hoover High School head football coach Drew Gilmer, describing them as "pervasive, perverted, abusive, extreme, outrageous and beyond all possible bounds of human decency."

Following the viral video, Hoover City Schools superintendent Kevin Maddox announced that Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms have been placed on administrative leave. Former Albertville head coach Chip English has been named as the interim coach.

The leaked video from a Hoover high practice showcased two separate incidents between coaches and individual players, leading to the decisions made by the school authorities. In the first encounter, the coach can be seen forcefully thrusting his groin onto the head of a player who was on the ground.

To protect the privacy of the student, Givan refrained from naming the teenager represented by their legal team. However, Givan emphasized that the student had turned 17 on the day of the press conference. The lawyer stated, "It's our belief, based on information received so far, that this then 16-year-old was subjected to physical abuse, extreme humiliation, and emotional distress due to no fault of his own."

Givan and McDaniel plan to explore potential legal claims against both the Hoover school system and Coach Gilmer at both state and federal levels. Givan asserted, "To place him on administrative leave is not enough. Coach Gilmer committed acts that justify termination and being enjoined from ever coaching on any level going forward."

McDaniel further confirmed their commitment to pursuing all possible legal avenues on behalf of the student, expressing, "As legal counsel, it's our responsibility to look at every potential legal avenue that we can pursue. And we are looking at claims on the state level, we're looking at claims on the federal level. This child didn't deserve what happened to him."

According to Givan, the incidents depicted in the video occurred during a practice on Friday. The video was leaked on Tuesday, prompting the family to contact the lawyers. Givan mentioned that the child's mother had reported the incident to the police, who are currently investigating the matter.

In closing, Givan requested privacy for the family as they navigate this sensitive matter involving a minor. The lawyers also plan to reach out to the family of another player involved in a separate incident captured in a second video. This video shows the player being forcefully pushed to the ground and having his helmet ripped off and thrown at his feet.

The actions depicted in the videos have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students at Hoover High School. The allegations against Coach Gilmer have brought into question whether the actions captured in the video should not only be reviewed but also met with legal consequences. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on seeking justice for the impacted students and ensuring such incidents do not occur in the future.