MIAMI – Students at Miami Jackson Senior High School are rallying behind a prominent football coach after allegations surfaced accusing him of watching pornographic material on a school computer during work hours.
Max Edwards, who joined the school’s athletic department earlier this year, has been temporarily removed from the school pending an investigation.
Despite the allegations, students gathered on campus Wednesday chanting, “Free Max,” expressing their belief that the situation has been misunderstood.
“He’s a good coach. He respected us and believed in God and everything else,” said Devontae Dowdell, a student-athlete at the school.
Danna Morris, another MJSHS student, voiced her support for Edwards and his impact on the athletic program.
“As an athlete, he changed the whole team. The rumors need to stop — he’s a good person. Free that man,” Morris said.
In a statement to Local 10 News, the school district said:
“Miami-Dade County Public Schools is disturbed by the allegations made regarding concerning behavior involving an employee at Miami Jackson Senior High School. The individual has been removed from the school site pending the outcome of an investigation.”
Some students have suggested the accusations might stem from a misunderstanding.
“I feel like he was probably watching a movie … probably an ad … it’s all random,” one student said.
Others, however, expressed disappointment and concern.
“I thought it was kind of insane because why would a teacher do that? You’re on the clock … you’re not supposed to be doing that, you’re teaching,” another student remarked.
Edwards is widely recognized as one of South Florida’s most accomplished high school football coaches.
Before joining MJSHS, he spent nearly a decade leading the Miami Northwestern Bulls, guiding the team to three state championships. Edwards also previously coached at Miami Central, contributing to the school’s legacy as a football powerhouse.
The allegations threaten to tarnish his celebrated career. Many had hoped Edwards would bring the same success he achieved at Miami Northwestern to Miami Jackson, revitalizing its athletic program.
When reached by phone, Edwards declined to comment on the situation.