Ex-NFL running back Ricky Watters coached three games of high school football in Orlando, Florida before resigning due to school investigations. Oak Ridge High School put Watters on paid leave on September 20, and now he decided to just leave.
According to TMZ, Watters was sick of the drama surrounding complaints of his coaching style, alleging that he used too much foul language and bumped a player. "There was a complaint that I used profanity on the sidelines,” Watters said ... adding, "[the investigation] was just going on and on. I think it’s just best we clear it.”
In a statement to the Orlando Sentinel, he said, “This was a difficult decision; however, I am stepping down so that my team can go on with their season without any further distractions.” He added that he is sad that he won't be there to coach players he is confident will receive college scholarships and other opportunities.
Before taking the job at Oak Ridge, the 44-year-old was a motivational speaker for at-risk Central Florida youth, reports Yahoo! Sports.
The five-time NFL All-Pro is now looking forward to focusing on other parts of his life. He said, “Moving forward, my focus will be on spending quality time with my two sons who kindly shared me with the players at Oak Ridge and on trying to make a difference for young people facing adversity in life like I did.”