Video shows Alabama football coaches hump, push players at practice
HOOVER, Ala. (WKRG) — Hoover head coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms have been placed on administrative leave effective immediately, sources confirmed to NewsNation affiliate WKRG Sports Director Simone Eli.
According to a statement, the decision to put the two coaches on leave was made “to ensure a thorough and impartial review of recent developments.”
WKRG obtained Hudl video from a recent Hoover football practice showing Gilmer thrust his hips towards a Bucs football player’s face — while the player was lying on the ground. In a separate clip, Helms is seen running towards a player during a drill, knocking him on the ground while forcefully removing his helmet.
Sources say these two incidents seen on practice film are at the root of the investigation and decision to put Gilmer on leave.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities,” Hoover Schools Superintendent Kevin Maddox said in a statment. “We are taking this matter seriously and working diligently to resolve it promptly and fairly.”
Gilmer was named head of the Hoover Buccaneers football program in January. Gilmer came to Hoover after seven years at Clay-Chalkville High School, where he led the program to two state titles.