Rush Propst Addresses Hoover Practice Video Controversy: Emphasizes Integrity in Coaching

Rush Propst, known for his impactful career in high school football, has commented on the recent controversy surrounding a Hoover football practice video. This video led to two coaches being placed on administrative leave and eventually resigning. Propst, who has only watched the video once, offered his thoughts on the situation during an interview on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5.

“If the video is as it appears, it might be crossing a line,” Propst remarked on Wednesday. Despite his own history of controversial moments, including a 2016 incident where he head-butted a Colquitt County player and a 2023 event where he threw his headset at his son during a game, Propst’s views on coaching have evolved over time.

At 66, Propst, hailing from Ohatchee, Alabama, reflects on how coaching practices have changed. He emphasized that the essence of coaching with integrity involves treating players with respect and avoiding demeaning behavior. “If you coach with integrity and avoid belittling kids, you shouldn’t cross that line,” he said. Propst noted that while it's acceptable to raise your voice or offer a firm pat on the back, he has chosen to eliminate cursing from his coaching style in recent years.

Propst’s own experiences as a player, where he faced physical and verbal challenges, have shaped his current perspective. “I deserved some of it back then,” he admitted. Today’s coaching environment, he believes, should adapt to new standards, avoiding any form of abuse.

“Coaching today requires a different approach,” Propst stated. “If there’s abuse, it’s unacceptable. It’s not for me to judge the current situation, but as coaches, we must recognize and respect the boundaries we should not cross.”

Regarding a possible return to Hoover, where he led the team to five Class 6A titles, including four consecutive championships from 2002-2005, Propst expressed that his time there might be in the past. “My time at Hoover was meaningful, but I think it’s probably behind me now,” he said.

In the wake of this controversy, former Albertville head coach Chip English has been named interim coach following the administrative leave of head coach Drew Gilmer. The practice video, which has been widely shared on social media, depicted troubling behavior from Hoover coaches.