Investigation Launched into Bearden High School Football Booster Club
The city of Knosville has found itself in the middle of an investigation involving the booster club for Bearden High School’s football team. The examination was initiated by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury after the Knox County School System reported irregularities in transactions occurring from July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2024, with a detailed report filed on January 31, 2025.
According to findings, the booster club authorized salary supplements exceeding $60,000 without the school system’s knowledge. The report indicated that club officers issued 23 checks aimed at coaching salaries which lacked the necessary approval from the school. Most notably, an assistant coach received about $55,000, split between two school years—$22,500 for 2022-23 and $32,500 for the 2023-24 school year. Another assistant coach was paid $5,000.
Additionally, the Bearden Bulldogs reportedly collected fees from players without properly channeling them into a designated student activity fund. The club charged $400 per student in July 2023, with fees increasing to $500 in a year’s time. Instead of recording these funds, the booster club deposited the total amounts directly into their account.
The investigation also uncovered over $13,676 in unaccounted spendings for food, gift cards, and supplies that lacked proper documentation. Notably, one officer was cited for using a club card to purchase personal items worth $64.
The Comptroller’s office confirmed several deficiencies at the booster club, highlighting poor record-keeping and a failure to separate financial roles, leading to conflicts of interest. Other concerns included missed fundraiser forms and inadequate profit analyses for events. Funds were also not deposited within the required three-day window after collection.
Despite these troubles, the Bearden Bulldogs managed to complete the 2024 Tennessee high school football season with a commendable 9-5 record, landing them as the 23rd-best team in the final Tennessee On3 Composite Team Rankings. Club officers have been informed of these irregularities and are currently making efforts to address the shortcomings to ensure compliance in the future.
