High school coach in Coral Springs arrested after allegedly renting out school gyms for private basketball tournaments and keeping the payments
Coral Springs, Florida – Authorities have arrested two local boys basketball coaches, including one from Coral Springs High School, in connection with allegations that they secretly rented out school gyms for private tournaments and kept the payments, according to arrest affidavits released this week.
Henry “JR” McNabb, 42, who coaches boys basketball at Blanche Ely High School, faces charges of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud. Investigators say McNabb collected thousands of dollars by arranging unapproved tournaments in the school gym without the knowledge or approval of the school district.
The investigation reportedly began in June after a man who had booked Blanche Ely’s gym for a May 31 graduation ceremony arrived only to find a basketball tournament taking place instead. Authorities discovered that McNabb had accepted $5,200 in payments via Zelle from outside basketball groups for several unapproved tournaments.
District officials estimate that these unapproved rentals cost the school system approximately $12,920 in potential revenue from Blanche Ely alone. Similar activities were allegedly linked to Hollywood Hills High School as well.
While McNabb was identified as the primary individual responsible for the Blanche Ely rentals, a second coach, Brenton Hankerson of Coral Springs High School, was also arrested in the broader investigation. Both men were booked into jail, and Broward County Public Schools has indicated that they could face termination for using district facilities for personal financial gain.
“This situation is deeply troubling, as it undermines the trust placed in our educators and coaches,” a district spokesperson said. “We take allegations of misconduct very seriously and are cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.”
McNabb’s coaching career has been notable, marked by a string of state championship victories. He led the Blanche Ely boys basketball team to a state championship in class 5A during the 2024-2025 season, his first year as head of the boys’ program. He also coached the Blanche Ely girls’ basketball team from 2020 through 2024, winning a state championship in his first year, and previously coached girls basketball at Somerset Academy in North Lauderdale, where his teams won state titles in 2018 and 2019.
The contrast between McNabb’s professional success and the allegations against him has raised questions among parents, students, and the local community. Many expressed shock that a coach with a successful track record in state championships could be accused of allegedly misusing school resources for personal gain.
Investigators say the alleged scheme involved renting gyms to outside basketball organizations and collecting payments directly, bypassing the district’s approved rental process. These actions are viewed as a deliberate effort to profit personally while circumventing established policies designed to ensure transparency and fairness.
Both McNabb and Hankerson remain in custody as the legal process moves forward. The school district has emphasized that the safety and integrity of its programs remain a priority, and that any misconduct will be addressed swiftly and decisively.
Parents and students are being urged to report any concerns regarding school facility use to the district immediately, as officials continue to review policies and monitor activities to prevent further misuse.
As the investigation continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities placed on educators and coaches, and the potential consequences when trust is violated for personal benefit.
