Former NFL cornerback Shareece Wright has bravely come forward as one of the 12 individuals accusing a high school trainer of sexually assaulting them as minors at a Southern California high school. Wright, along with six former classmates, initially filed a lawsuit against the Colton Joint Unified School District and former trainer Tiffany Strauss-Gordon in September 2022. The number of plaintiffs has since doubled, shedding light on a disturbing pattern of abuse that allegedly took place.
In an interview with ESPN’s Outside the Lines, Wright emphasized the importance of speaking out against such heinous acts to prevent them from happening to other vulnerable individuals. The ex-NFL player recounted his experiences at Colton High School, where he first encountered Strauss-Gordon, the daughter of his football coach, Harold Strauss. Allegations include inappropriate touching, oral sex, and sexual encounters that occurred over the course of his high school career.
Wright’s attorney, Morgan Stewart, who represents multiple plaintiffs in the case, highlighted the toxic environment that enabled such abuse to occur unchecked. Despite reports being made to school authorities in the past, the trainer continued to work within the school district, sparking outrage and disbelief among the victims and their supporters.
Strauss-Gordon’s attorney, Daniel Kolodziej, maintains that the allegations are unfounded and insinuates that the lawsuit is motivated by financial gain. However, the gravity of the accusations and the number of individuals coming forward suggest a systemic issue that must be addressed and rectified.
The case underscores the importance of taking allegations of sexual assault seriously and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. It also serves as a reminder of the courage required to speak out against powerful individuals and institutions in pursuit of justice and protection for future generations. Shareece Wright’s decision to step forward and share his story is a testament to his bravery and determination to seek accountability and prevent further harm.
