OVIEDO, Fla.,None — An Oviedo High School assistant coach is on administrative leave after being accused of having close relationships with some of the players on the basketball team, according to a school district investigation.
John Howell has admitted to giving two of the players rides around town, money and letting one of them spend the night at his home.
Howell seems to be well liked at Oviedo High School.
"He's funny, he's nice," said student Zac Bombard.
"He's a pretty easy going person," said student Jerald White.
Neighbors told WFTV Howell lives alone.
The school district said it initially cleared Howell of any wrongdoing because it didn't find proof of a sexual relationship.
However, the new allegations have prompted the school to place him on administrative leave, with pay.
"Do you think that kind of relationship is appropriate?" WFTV reporter Bianca Castro asked a parent.
"Absolutely not," replied parent Mariann Bombard.
Authorities said Howell is not allowed on campus, but will still earn his $65,000 salary.
The district confirmed it received a tip of an incident from Howell's past, which was forwarded to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
Howell has been with the district for 16 years.
Howell told WFTV that he is happy the district cleared him in its previous investigation and is looking forward to putting the incident behind him.