BREAKING: Former NFL player Jay Graham was arrested in a shocking prostitution sting on July 12, 2023, accused of attempting to pay for sex with a minor. Graham, now a high school football coach in Tennessee, allegedly responded to a fake adult escort website, believing he was arranging a meeting with a 16-year-old girl.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department reports that Graham, aged 50, agreed to pay $120 for sexual services, even after being informed that the person he was communicating with was underage. He was taken into custody at a Nashville hotel after arriving and handing cash to an undercover officer posing as the minor.
Graham faces serious charges, including patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation for aggravated statutory rape. His bond has been set at $45,000. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among parents and students at Centennial High School, where Graham was recently hired as a coach.
The former running back, who played for teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers during his five-year NFL career, had previously coached at various colleges, including a national title win with Florida State University in 2013. He was also known for his time at the University of Tennessee, where he rushed for over 2,600 yards from 1993 to 1996.
In light of the allegations, Williamson County Schools has terminated Graham’s coaching position and barred him from campus. While he remains suspended from his teaching role, the district noted that a different process is required for teacher termination. A school district spokesperson reassured parents, stating, “Law enforcement has not indicated that there should be any concern for Centennial families.”
Two other men, aged 46 and 20, were also arrested in the same sting operation and now face similar charges. The investigation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable youth.
As the situation develops, community members are left grappling with the implications of Graham’s arrest and what it means for local youth sports programs. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent story as more information becomes available.
