Prime Time Trouble

Prime Prep parts ways with co-founder Deion Sanders after assault allegation

UPDATE: There are conflicting reports on the relationship between Deion Sanders and Prime Prep Academy. In a press release dated October 11, board chairman T. Christopher Lewis expressed support for the "decision to end the relationship between Prime Prep Academy and Mr. Deion Sanders." Meanwhile, Sanders continues to tweet as though he is still affiliated with the school, including several from the football team's pep rally. Calls to Prime Prep for clarification were not immediately returned.

Deion Sanders is officially no longer affiliated with the athletics-focused charter school he co-founded in Dallas. Prime Prep Academy released a statement October 10 severing ties with the NFL Hall of Famer.

"Effective immediately, Deion Sanders is no longer an employee or representative for Prime Prep Academy," Superintendent Rachel M. King-Sanders said. "Prime Prep is committed to continually improving as an educational institution and it will continue to strive for excellence in every aspect."

The news comes just one day after another employee accused Sanders of assault. Kevin Jefferson, Prime Prep's CFO, alleges that Sanders grabbed him by the throat during an administrative meeting. Sanders denied the allegations on Twitter, and referred to Jefferson as "a fake administrator."

Prime Prep is a tuition-free charter school that Sanders co-founded with D.L. Wallace. It has campuses in Dallas and Fort Worth and has been embattled in controversy since it opened its doors less than two years ago. In 2012, Prime Prep withdrew from UIL athletic competition after a score of eligibility allegations threatened to derail the school's inaugural season.

There's no indication as to whether Sander's removal was a board decision or purely that of the superintendent. All evidence of Sander's involvement with the school — save for the announcement ousting him — has been scrubbed from Prime Prep's website.

The person who answered the phone at Prime Prep Dallas this morning said she was unable to elaborate on the school's official statement. Sanders hasn't publicly responded to the news. Instead, he's using his Twitter account to promote Prime Prep's Homecoming game.

Homecoming Baby! PrimePrep I know yall still up cause I check u all tweets. Are yall ready for tomorrow night? Lets go Coach B voice Already

— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) October 11, 2013

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