Ex-NFL Star Jay Graham Arrested In Nashville Sting After Allegedly Trying To Pay 16-Year-Old For S*x – Fired From Coaching Job

Ex-NFL Star Jay Graham Arrested In Nashville Sting After Allegedly Trying To Pay 16-Year-Old For S*x – Fired From Coaching Job

Former NFL running back and Tennessee high school coach Herman “Jay” Graham III was arrested after allegedly attempting to solicit an underage girl. Police records reviewed by Us Weekly show the 50-year-old was booked on prostitution and patronizing charges involving a minor between 15 and 18 on Wednesday, October 15.

Authorities say Graham was one of three men caught during a police sting operation in Nashville. According to WSMV, undercover officers posted ads on adult websites, and Graham allegedly responded, arranging to meet someone he believed to be a 16-year-old girl for $120 at a local hotel. He was arrested after reportedly handing over the payment.

Graham, who had no prior criminal record, was hired at Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee, in July 2025 as a substitute teacher and coach before becoming a full-time employee. Following his arrest, Principal Dr. Clarissa Haymon notified parents, writing, “Our head football coach Jay Graham was arrested today during a sting operation in Nashville on two felony charges of patronizing prostitution and solicitation of a minor to commit statutory r@pe.”

Haymon confirmed Graham was fired from the coaching staff and suspended without pay from his teaching role, adding, “He will not be allowed on our campus.” She also told families that law enforcement found no threat to students and that counselors would be available for support.

Before coaching, Graham played for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers, retiring in 2002 before joining the Canadian Football League. He later coached at several Tennessee programs, including UT Chattanooga, UT Martin, South Carolina, Florida State, and the University of Tennessee. If you or someone you know has experienced s€xual assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org.