Nashville, Tennessee, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Herman ‘Jay’ Graham III, head football coach at Centennial High School, faces serious legal issues after his arrest during a prostitution sting in Nashville. He allegedly responded to an adult website ad and communicated with an undercover officer posing as a minor. Graham is charged with patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation for aggravated statutory rape. Following the arrest, the school terminated his coaching position and suspended his teaching role. The local community is in shock as the investigation continues.
Nashville, Tennessee
Herman “Jay” Graham III, the 50-year-old head football coach at Centennial High School in Williamson County, faces serious legal troubles after being arrested during a prostitution sting operation in Nashville. The operation was conducted by the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) in collaboration with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Graham, a former running back for the University of Tennessee Volunteers from 1993 to 1996, was taken into custody on Wednesday after allegedly responding to an advertisement on an adult website. The ad was posted by undercover officers, and during the exchange, Graham communicated with an officer posing as a 16-year-old girl. He reportedly agreed to pay $120 for a sexual encounter and traveled to a Nashville hotel where he was arrested after handing over the cash.
Graham now faces two felony charges: patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation of a minor for aggravated statutory rape. His bond has been set at $45,000. Along with him, two other individuals, Aaron Barnack, 46, and Anthony Proctor, 20, were arrested during the same sting operation. Barnack is charged with two counts of patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation of a minor for aggravated statutory rape after allegedly agreeing to pay $1,000 for sex. Proctor faced charges for agreeing to pay $50 for a sexual encounter.
In response to Graham’s arrest, Centennial High School took immediate action by terminating his coaching position and suspending him without pay from his role as a teacher. Principal Clarissa Haymon notified parents of the incident and assured them that counseling services will be available to the school community.
Prior to being hired by Centennial High School in March 2025, Graham had no prior criminal history. He worked as a substitute teacher before becoming a full-time teacher in July 2025. His career in football continued beyond college, with brief stints in the NFL playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers. Graham also has experience coaching at prestigious colleges, including Alabama, Florida State, and Texas A&M.
The MNPD has indicated that the investigation is ongoing but has not raised any immediate concerns for families at Centennial High School. The arrest of Graham has shocked the local community, especially given his prominent role as a coach and educator.
Background on the Stern Operation
The prostitution sting operation that led to Graham’s arrest was part of a larger initiative to address sex trafficking and the solicitation of minors. Undercover officers employed tactics such as posting ads on adult websites to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to engage in illegal activities. The ongoing investigation highlights the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensure community safety.
Conclusion
The incident has sparked discussions around teacher conduct and safety measures within schools. With the distance between public figures in sports and education and the illegal activities uncovered, it raises important questions about how institutions can better protect their students.
FAQ
Who is Herman “Jay” Graham III?
Herman “Jay” Graham III is the head football coach at Centennial High School in Williamson County, Tennessee, and a former running back for the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
What charges is Graham facing?
Graham faces two felony charges: patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation of a minor for aggravated statutory rape.
What led to Graham’s arrest?
Graham was arrested after responding to an advertisement on an adult website, where he allegedly communicated with an undercover officer posing as a 16-year-old girl and agreed to pay for sex.
What actions did Centennial High School take following Graham’s arrest?
Centennial High School terminated Graham’s coaching position and suspended him without pay from his teaching role.
Was Graham involved in any professional football careers before his teaching?
Yes, Graham had brief stints in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers, and has served coaching roles at various prominent colleges.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | Wednesday |
| Charges | Patronizing prostitution with a minor, solicitation of a minor for aggravated statutory rape |
| Bond Amount | $45,000 |
| Other Arrests | Aaron Barnack, 46; Anthony Proctor, 20 |
| Actions Taken by School | Terminated Graham’s coaching position, suspended teaching role without pay |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Former UT Football Player Arrested
- Wikipedia: Sex Trafficking in the United States
- AL.com: Former Tennessee Star Arrested
- Google Search: Nashville Crime News
- WBIR: Former Tennessee Football Player Arrested
- Google Scholar: Prostitution Sting Operations
- NewsChannel 5: Centennial High School Coach Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prostitution
- Fox17: High School Coach Arrested
- Google News: High School Football Coaches Arrested
Author: HERE Nashville
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