Frazier Resigns from Manatee High

The Manatee High School coach facing 10 misdemeanor charges, including battery and interfering with school attendance, resigned from his position Friday morning.

Roderick Frazier submitted his letter of resignation to Superintendent Rick Wells and asked that his employment within the district be terminated immediately. He had been on paid administrative leave since February 8. 

“I feel my resignation is in the best interest of all involved including the school system and Manatee High School,” he wrote in the letter.

Frazier, a Hurricanes assistant football coach and former star, allegedly groped several female students and three co-workers at Manatee High over a seven-year span. He also reportedly summoned students out of class for social purposes.

In a press release, the officials at the School District of Manatee stated they “take these charges extremely seriously and will continue its internal investigation into this matter until its ultimate conclusion.”

The release said Frazier is no longer allowed on Manatee County School Board property.

"I have accepted Mr. Frazier's resignation today in the interest of moving our school district forward," said Superintendent Rick Mills, said in a press release. "We have an obligation to our school board, community and the Florida Department of Education to conclude our internal investigation and we will proceed on that front."

According to court documents, the students alleged that Frazier would brush his hand against their backside as they walked by, grab their buttocks during hugs that one victim described as “uncomfortably long,” or give their behinds a quick smack all while on school grounds, according to the report.

Frazier also allegedly harassed some of his female coworkers. One victim said he tried to play footsie with her while she was training, another told authorities he slapped her in the buttocks in front of her boyfriend at a Christmas Party and an administrator said she was inappropriately touched in the chest area. 

Fraizer's attorney has said he will plead not guilty to all charges.