Kearney, Texas, December 4, 2025
Jonathan Carson, the former head coach of Kearney High School girls basketball, is pursuing dismissal of a civil lawsuit alleging slander and invasion of privacy. The lawsuit involves allegations from Amber Garner, a parent of a former player, regarding inappropriate behavior. In recent developments, depositions from parents were taken, with most testifying in favor of Carson. The case continues to evolve as legal proceedings unfold.
Dallas, Texas
Former Kearney Girls Basketball Coach Seeks Dismissal of Civil Case
Jonathan Carson, the former head coach of the Kearney High School girls basketball team, is seeking dismissal of a civil lawsuit alleging slander and invasion of privacy. The lawsuit includes six counts against Amber Garner, a parent of a former player, and two unnamed defendants. Carson alleges that Garner informed a Buffalo County resident that he was engaged in an inappropriate relationship with one of his players and exhibited grooming behavior. On March 26, 2024, Buffalo County District Judge John Marsh dismissed the lawsuit against Garner. Carson later filed a new lawsuit against two unnamed parties, seeking damages of $172,920 and $1 million from the school districts of Buffalo County or the common school fund of the State of Nebraska. In August 2024, Carson sought subpoenas of Kearney Public Schools Superintendent Jason Mundorf and KHS principal Jeff Ganz. KPS legal counsel sought to quash the subpoenas, but Judge Marsh overruled the motion to quash the deposition subpoenas. Carson then sought the depositions of 30 parents who were the parents of past basketball players on the team. The depositions were taken on February 26. According to the notice of dismissal, 28 parents signed affidavits testifying that they were not the ones alleged to have acted inappropriately. The remaining two individuals, Jon and Amber Garner, communicated through their attorney that they would seek a protective order, stating that their statements made about Carson to Mundorf were privileged.
Background
Jonathan Carson served as the head coach for the Kearney High School girls basketball team. The civil lawsuit alleges that Amber Garner, a parent of a former player, informed a Buffalo County resident that Carson was engaged in an inappropriate relationship with one of his players and exhibited grooming behavior. The lawsuit includes six counts against Garner and two unnamed defendants. On March 26, 2024, Buffalo County District Judge John Marsh dismissed the lawsuit against Garner. Carson later filed a new lawsuit against two unnamed parties, seeking damages of $172,920 and $1 million from the school districts of Buffalo County or the common school fund of the State of Nebraska. In August 2024, Carson sought subpoenas of Kearney Public Schools Superintendent Jason Mundorf and KHS principal Jeff Ganz. KPS legal counsel sought to quash the subpoenas, but Judge Marsh overruled the motion to quash the deposition subpoenas. Carson then sought the depositions of 30 parents who were the parents of past basketball players on the team. The depositions were taken on February 26. According to the notice of dismissal, 28 parents signed affidavits testifying that they were not the ones alleged to have acted inappropriately. The remaining two individuals, Jon and Amber Garner, communicated through their attorney that they would seek a protective order, stating that their statements made about Carson to Mundorf were privileged.
Legal Proceedings
The civil lawsuit filed by Jonathan Carson alleges slander and invasion of privacy, including six counts against Amber Garner and two unnamed defendants. On March 26, 2024, Buffalo County District Judge John Marsh dismissed the lawsuit against Garner. Carson later filed a new lawsuit against two unnamed parties, seeking damages of $172,920 and $1 million from the school districts of Buffalo County or the common school fund of the State of Nebraska. In August 2024, Carson sought subpoenas of Kearney Public Schools Superintendent Jason Mundorf and KHS principal Jeff Ganz. KPS legal counsel sought to quash the subpoenas, but Judge Marsh overruled the motion to quash the deposition subpoenas. Carson then sought the depositions of 30 parents who were the parents of past basketball players on the team. The depositions were taken on February 26. According to the notice of dismissal, 28 parents signed affidavits testifying that they were not the ones alleged to have acted inappropriately. The remaining two individuals, Jon and Amber Garner, communicated through their attorney that they would seek a protective order, stating that their statements made about Carson to Mundorf were privileged.
Implications
The outcome of the civil lawsuit filed by Jonathan Carson may have significant implications for the Kearney High School girls basketball program and the involved parties. The legal proceedings have attracted attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the involvement of multiple parties, including school officials and parents. The case highlights the importance of addressing allegations of inappropriate behavior within educational institutions and the legal processes involved in resolving such disputes.
Related Cases
Similar cases involving allegations against former coaches have occurred in other states. For instance, former Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald filed a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit against Northwestern University, which is set to go to trial in November 2025. Additionally, former New Mexico State men’s basketball coach Greg Heiar reached a settlement in a wrongful termination lawsuit after being fired amid hazing allegations within the program. These cases underscore the complexities and legal challenges associated with allegations against former coaches and the institutions involved.
Conclusion
The civil lawsuit filed by Jonathan Carson against Amber Garner and two unnamed defendants is ongoing, with recent developments including the dismissal of the lawsuit against Garner and the seeking of depositions from school officials and parents. The case continues to unfold, and its resolution may have broader implications for the Kearney High School girls basketball program and the involved parties.
FAQ
What is the current status of the civil lawsuit filed by Jonathan Carson?
The civil lawsuit filed by Jonathan Carson is ongoing. On March 26, 2024, Buffalo County District Judge John Marsh dismissed the lawsuit against Amber Garner. Carson later filed a new lawsuit against two unnamed parties, seeking damages of $172,920 and $1 million from the school districts of Buffalo County or the common school fund of the State of Nebraska. In August 2024, Carson sought subpoenas of Kearney Public Schools Superintendent Jason Mundorf and KHS principal Jeff Ganz. KPS legal counsel sought to quash the subpoenas, but Judge Marsh overruled the motion to quash the deposition subpoenas. Carson then sought the depositions of 30 parents who were the parents of past basketball players on the team. The depositions were taken on February 26. According to the notice of dismissal, 28 parents signed affidavits testifying that they were not the ones alleged to have acted inappropriately. The remaining two individuals, Jon and Amber Garner, communicated through their attorney that they would seek a protective order, stating that their statements made about Carson to Mundorf were privileged.
What are the allegations against Jonathan Carson in the civil lawsuit?
The civil lawsuit alleges slander and invasion of privacy, including six counts against Amber Garner and two unnamed defendants. Carson alleges that Garner informed a Buffalo County resident that he was engaged in an inappropriate relationship with one of his players and exhibited grooming behavior.
What is the significance of the depositions taken in this case?
The depositions taken from 30 parents of past basketball players are significant as they provide testimonies regarding the allegations against Jonathan Carson. According to the notice of dismissal, 28 parents signed affidavits testifying that they were not the ones alleged to have acted inappropriately. The remaining two individuals, Jon and Amber Garner, communicated through their attorney that they would seek a protective order, stating that their statements made about Carson to Mundorf were privileged.
What are the potential implications of this case for the Kearney High School girls basketball program?
The outcome of the civil lawsuit may have significant implications for the Kearney High School girls basketball program and the involved parties. The legal proceedings have attracted attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the involvement of multiple parties, including school officials and parents. The case highlights the importance of addressing allegations of inappropriate behavior within educational institutions and the legal processes involved in resolving such disputes.
| Key Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Jonathan Carson |
| Role | Former head coach, Kearney High School girls basketball |
| Allegations | Slander and invasion of privacy |
| Defendants | Amber Garner and two unnamed individuals |
| Initial Lawsuit Outcome | Dismissed against Garner on March 26, 2024 |
| New Lawsuit Claims | Seeking $172,920 and $1 million from relevant school districts |
| Recent Developments | Subpoenas issued and depositions taken from parents |
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