Robertsdale Football Coach, Assistant And 10 Students Suspended Amid Lawsuit

ROBERTSDALE, Ala. (BuzzReport) — A major disruption has hit the Robertsdale High School football program after head coach Justin Jones, an assistant coach and 10 student-athletes were suspended from participating in football, according to allegations contained in a lawsuit filed in Baldwin County Circuit Court.

The suspensions come as the football program is in the middle of its 2026 season and just days before Robertsdale is scheduled to face Fairhope, putting the future of the coaching staff and the eligibility of several players at the center of an escalating legal dispute.

According to court documents, the controversy began after the Alabama High School Athletic Association received an anonymous letter alleging possible improper conduct involving the Robertsdale football program.

The lawsuit states that AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon subsequently requested information from Robertsdale High School Principal William White concerning Coach Jones and the students involved.

White reportedly responded on September 9, providing what he described as the information available to him and what he was able to obtain.

But according to Jones’ lawsuit, the AHSAA later determined that the information provided was not sufficient.

On September 15, Jones says he was informed that he, another coach and 10 students would not be permitted to participate in football activities.

The lawsuit contends that Jones was not informed of the specific allegations against him, was not interviewed as part of the process and was not given an opportunity to respond before the suspension was imposed.

Jones has now turned to the courts, asking a judge to intervene.

The coach filed for a temporary restraining order and injunction seeking to immediately restore his ability to coach the Golden Bears while the broader legal dispute moves forward.

According to the lawsuit, Jones argues that the suspension has already created significant consequences for his career, reputation and finances.

An emergency hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, September 18, at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, where a judge is expected to hear arguments concerning Jones’ request to return to the sideline.

The case names the Alabama High School Athletic Association, AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon, the Baldwin County Board of Education, Superintendent Marty McRae and Robertsdale High School Principal William White as defendants.

The allegations contained in Jones’ lawsuit have not been established as facts by a court, and the filings currently available do not include a written response from the defendants addressing Jones’ claims.

A FOOTBALL PROGRAM UNDER SCRUTINY

The situation comes at a particularly significant point for Robertsdale football.

Jones is in his second season leading the Golden Bears. The program entered the 2026 season with renewed expectations after showing signs of progress during his first year.

Robertsdale finished the previous season with a 4-6 record and earned its first region victory in three seasons. During the offseason, the program was described as building a new culture under Jones, with players and coaches expressing optimism about the direction of the team.

Now, the program is facing an unexpected legal and eligibility battle.

The suspension of 10 students could also have a direct impact on the Golden Bears’ roster, depending on the circumstances surrounding each player’s suspension and the outcome of Friday’s hearing.

For the players and their families, the dispute goes beyond a coaching decision. Their ability to participate in games, practices and other football activities is now tied to the outcome of a court proceeding and the AHSAA’s investigation.

The lawsuit does not establish that the coaches or students committed any wrongdoing. Instead, Jones’ legal challenge focuses heavily on the process used to suspend them and whether they were given adequate notice of the allegations and an opportunity to respond.

As the court prepares to hear the emergency request, the Robertsdale football program finds itself at the center of a developing dispute involving school officials, the state’s governing body for high school athletics and a head coach fighting to remain on the sideline.

The Friday hearing could provide the first major indication of whether Jones will be permitted to return to coaching while the case continues or whether the suspensions will remain in place.

The Buzz Report will continue following this developing story and provide additional updates as more information becomes available.