“With Injustice, Two Parents Got Oklahoma Youth Football Current Head Coach Arrested for Molestation of Their Children”
April 23, 2025 – Tulsa, Oklahoma
An Oklahoma youth football program is facing national scrutiny after its current head coach, Ronald “Ron” Jeffries, was arrested late Sunday night on charges related to the alleged molestation of two minor players. The arrest, triggered by formal complaints from the parents of the victims, has ignited deep concern across the Tulsa community — and left many questioning how such abuse could occur under the guise of mentorship.
Jeffries, 41, was taken into custody at his home without incident and is being held in Tulsa County Jail without bond pending a formal hearing. The arrest warrant, unsealed Monday morning, details disturbing allegations of inappropriate contact, grooming behavior, and abuse spanning several months.
The accused coach has served as head of the Tulsa Warriors Youth Football League — a highly regarded program for ages 10 to 14 — since 2021.
PARENTS SEEK JUSTICE
The allegations came to light after two sets of parents independently filed complaints with the Tulsa Police Department in early April. The parents claim their sons, both 12 years old, began acting withdrawn and fearful of attending practice.
“We knew something was wrong,” said the mother of one victim, her voice trembling during a press conference. “Our son finally broke down and told us that Coach Ron had been touching him in ways that no child should ever experience. It crushed us.”
The parents contacted authorities immediately, and a joint investigation was launched involving Tulsa police and child protective services. After forensic interviews with the victims and review of digital evidence, an arrest warrant was issued.
“This was about more than football. This was about trust, and that trust was violated in the worst way,” said the father of the second victim.
PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR?
What began as a deeply personal tragedy now appears to be part of a broader concern. Since the arrest, two former players — now in their late teens — have come forward with similar allegations dating back to 2022, when they were part of the same program under Jeffries’ leadership.
One former player, who asked to remain anonymous, stated: “He would always find reasons to pull certain kids aside — for ‘special training,’ or late film reviews. I thought it was weird, but we were kids. We didn’t know how to speak up.”
Law enforcement has confirmed that additional complaints are being reviewed as part of the investigation.
COACH DENIES ALLEGATIONS
Through his attorney, Coach Jeffries has denied all accusations, calling the claims “completely false and motivated by personal grievances.” The defense suggests that the allegations are an effort by “disgruntled parents” to remove Jeffries after disciplinary actions were taken against their children for behavioral issues.
“Coach Jeffries maintains his innocence and intends to fight these claims in court,” his attorney, Mitchell Dade, said in a statement. “We urge the public not to rush to judgment.”
Despite the denial, community backlash has been swift and unforgiving.
ORGANIZATION UNDER FIRE
The Tulsa Warriors Youth Football League, long considered one of the best developmental programs in the state, has gone into full crisis mode. The board of directors released a statement Monday afternoon:
“We are devastated by the allegations involving our head coach. The safety and well-being of every child in our program is our highest priority. Effective immediately, Coach Jeffries has been removed from all team activities pending the outcome of the investigation.”
However, some parents accuse the organization of ignoring red flags for too long.
“There were rumors,” said a parent of a former player. “A few parents even complained last year about inappropriate behavior and nothing was done. If they had listened then, maybe this could have been prevented.”
An emergency board meeting was held Monday night, during which several staff members resigned. The league has suspended its spring season and is offering counseling services for players and families.
LEGAL AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Prosecutors from the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office have filed two counts of lewd molestation of a minor against Jeffries, each carrying up to 20 years in prison if convicted. More charges may be added as the investigation continues.
District Attorney Christine Holloway addressed the community during a press briefing: “These children showed incredible bravery coming forward. We will ensure they get justice and that those responsible are held fully accountable.”
The Tulsa community is responding with a mix of heartbreak and determination. Candlelight vigils have been organized at local parks where the team practiced, and support groups for affected families have been established.
“There is no playbook for this kind of pain,” said Rev. Marcus Glen, who has offered grief support sessions through his church. “But there is strength in unity. These families are not alone.”
A BROKEN TRUST
For many, the pain of betrayal lingers just as strongly as the shock of the crime itself. Youth sports — often a haven of growth and camaraderie — have once again been overshadowed by abuse of power.
“This wasn’t just about one man,” said community advocate Paula Reid. “It’s about a system that didn’t protect our children. Coaches are supposed to uplift. Instead, these kids were hurt by someone they trusted most.”
The Oklahoma Youth Athletic Commission has launched a review into oversight procedures and background screening for coaches across affiliated programs. Some legislators are even pushing for “Ron’s Law” — a proposed bill that would require live-monitoring cameras in locker rooms and practice facilities used by youth teams.
WHAT’S NEXT
Coach Jeffries is scheduled for arraignment later this week. Meanwhile, detectives continue to gather evidence and speak with other players, coaches, and parents.
For the families at the center of this case, the road to healing is just beginning.
“We want the truth to come out,” said one parent. “And we want every child to feel safe again — on and off the field.”
As the Tulsa community grapples with this painful chapter, one message is clear: silence and inaction will no longer be tolerated.
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