Sad news: I’ll not wrestle again said by Rhode Island high School great wrestler, Jared Hood who has been abused by their coach…
**Sad News: “I’ll Not Wrestle Again,” Says Rhode Island High School Great Jared Hood After Alleged Abuse by Coach**
In a heartbreaking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the Rhode Island wrestling community, high school wrestling star Jared Hood has declared he will no longer compete in the sport he once loved. The decision comes in the wake of disturbing allegations that he was abused by his coach—an experience Hood says has left emotional scars too deep to overcome.
Jared Hood, a senior who had earned recognition as one of the best wrestlers in the state, shared his decision in a solemn Instagram post on Sunday evening. “Sad news,” the post began. “I’ll not wrestle again. I’ve given everything to this sport, but I can’t continue after what I’ve been through.”
The post, which has since gone viral, included vague references to ongoing emotional trauma and manipulation. Though Hood didn’t initially go into detail, close friends and family later confirmed to local reporters that he had been mentally and emotionally abused by his longtime coach.
According to multiple sources, including teammates who requested anonymity, the coach created a toxic and fear-driven environment, where humiliation and pressure were used to control athletes. Hood, who had been part of the wrestling team since freshman year, endured years of what he described as “degrading, controlling, and emotionally exhausting” behavior from the man who was supposed to mentor him.
“I stayed quiet for a long time because I thought this was normal,” Hood said in a follow-up statement shared with a local news station. “I thought pushing through meant being tough, being a real athlete. But there’s a difference between pushing yourself and being broken down. I lost the love I had for wrestling, and I lost myself.”
The allegations are currently under investigation by the school district, and the coach in question has reportedly been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome. In the meantime, community members, parents, and former athletes are demanding accountability and support for student-athletes.
Jared’s decision to step away from the sport has been met with both sadness and admiration. Many have praised his courage in speaking out, especially in a world where toughness is often mistaken for silence. “It takes guts to leave something you love to protect your mental health,” one former teammate said. “Jared was our leader on the mat, and he still is off it.”
As the story unfolds, many are calling for schools across the country to reexamine how coaches interact with student-athletes and to ensure proper mental health resources are in place.
For Jared Hood, the future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—he’s choosing healing over silence. “Wrestling gave me so much,” he wrote, “but now, I need to walk away to find peace. I hope my story helps someone else feel less alone.”
While his time on the mat may have ended, Jared Hood’s voice is just beginning to make an impact.
