"Athletics facility arms race is a disgrace to the education system": Fans react to newly unveiled suites at DeShaun Watson's high school in Georgia 

By Aman Sharma

Modified Oct 14, 2024 19:17 GMT

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The debut of DeShaun Watson's high school's new luxury suites at Gainesville High School’s City Park Stadium, just days before the Red Elephants’ home opener on Sept. 20, has drawn heavy criticism from the community. Despite the scheduled unveiling, many fans expressed disappointment over the project, questioning the school's priorities.

Located 2.3 miles from Gainesville High, City Park Stadium, home to Red Elephant football and soccer, has undergone a $13.6 million renovation. The updates, part of a renovation in 2022, include a new press box with suites, expanded seating to 5,500, and upgraded bathrooms and concession areas.

These improvements, however, have sparked outrage, with some calling it an unnecessary focus on athletics at the expense of education. One fan pointed out the alarming educational statistics in the area:

"Gainesville, GA boasts a 25.5% literacy rate… with a 21% proficiency rate of reading in this High School. This display of athletics facility arms race is a disgrace to the education system."

"I played at a D2 college and our stadium was nowhere near as large or nice as this. Wild," another remarked.

Ig@frontofficesport

Here are other fan reactions:

Ig@frontofficesports

ig@frontofficesports

The Red Elephants, who have been playing their first four games of the season on the road, went 3-1, losing only to top-ranked Carrollton. Now set to play their home opener against Lanier, Gainesville will host the game with the newly unveiled facilities in place.

While the restrooms and concession stands will be functional for the opener, some parts of the stadium remain under construction, as grass areas still need work.

According to Athletic Director Adam Lindsey, the project intended to enhance the fan experience.

“The entrance that was done last year as part of Phase 1, underneath the dirt, has already been asphalted, so we're just going to clean all that up, and we're gonna start doing that (Tuesday), get everything back spick and span,” Presnell said.

Browns face pressure as Deshaun Watson struggles amid 1-5 Start

The Cleveland Browns' 2024 season has hit a rough patch, now sitting at 1-5 following a Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, acquired in a high-profile 2022 trade and signed to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal, has yet to meet expectations.

Watson's performance has fallen short with only 1,020 passing yards, five touchdowns and 31 sacks in the last six games. Despite growing criticism, head coach Kevin Stefanski remains committed to Watson.

"I think Deshaun Watson gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win, and we need to play really good football at his position, and at every position to be successful," Stefanski said in a press conference.

Watson's struggles stand in contrast to his past NFL success. By 2023, he had played 70 games, completing 1,481 of 2,237 passes for a 66.2% completion rate. He accumulated 17,483 passing yards, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt, with 122 touchdowns, 48 interceptions and a career passer rating of 99.1.