A San Diego jury found the Coronado Unified School District negligent for employing a basketball coach who had a sexual relationship with a player and awarded $5 million in damages to the victim. The school district was judged 90% at fault in comparison to the coach, and is liable for $4.5 million in damages. The district is considering an appeal.
Attorney Brandon Smith expressed gratitude to the jury for holding the school district accountable, emphasizing the importance of student safety. The coach, Jordan Tyler Bucklew, previously pleaded guilty to a felony charge but was not required to register as a sex offender. Despite arguments from the district claiming no prior knowledge of Bucklew's actions, the jury held them mostly responsible for the damages.