Image Credit: Nashville.gov & Google Earth
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A football coach at Centennial High School, who is also a former Tennessee Volunteer and NFL player, was arrested during a prostitution sting conducted as part of a joint operation between the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
According to MNPD, Herman “Jay” Graham III, 50, was taken into custody and charged with two felonies after responding to an ad posted by detectives on an adult escort website as part of the sting operation. He is charged with patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation of a minor for aggravated statutory rape.
“Graham is alleged to have responded to one of those ads and then engaged in a text conversation with an undercover officer who was posting as a juvenile,” said an MNPD release. “During the conversation, the undercover officer said that she was 16. The two agreed upon a price of $120 for sex. Graham responded to a Nashville hotel room, gave the female undercover officer $120, and was immediately taken into custody. Bond for Graham is set at $45,000.”
Before transitioning to coaching, Graham was a running back for the Tennessee Vols and played for Baltimore, Seattle, and Green Bay in the NFL. He then went on to work for over a decade as an assistant coach for several major colleges including Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas A&M.
In 2022, he reportedly stepped away from college football, citing mental health issues, and was hired as a middle school coach for Concord Christian School in Farragut before returning to the college scene to serve as the assistant coach at ETSU for the 2024 season.
He was then hired as a coach and substitute teacher for Williamson County Schools (WCS) in March of 2025 and became a full teacher in July. His background check prior to his hiring at WCS revealed no criminal history, per WCS Executive Director of Communications Carol Birdsong.
Graham has been fired from the coaching staff, suspended without pay from his teaching position, and will not be allowed on the school’s campus. Birdsong relayed he has not yet been fired as a teacher because WCS has different obligations that govern teachers.
Following the arrest on the evening of Oct. 15, Centennial High School Principal Clarissa Haymon sent an email to parents confirming the firing and suspension and informing them counselors would be available to meet with students as needed.
“Law enforcement has not indicated that there should be any concern for Centennial families; however, should you have any information to share, please contact law enforcement,” Haymon wrote.
Two other men were also arrested during the sting. 46-year-old Aaron Barnack made a deal to pay $1,000 to spend the night with two undercover officers who were posing as 16- and 17-year-old female cousins. He was arrested upon arrival and charged with several felonies with bond set at $45,000.
The third suspect, 20-year-old Anthony Procter, agreed to pay $50 for a 15-minute sexual visit with the undercover officer posing as a 16-year-old girl. Also charged with multiple felonies, his bond was set at $41,000.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
