West Potomac baseball coach resigns

West Potomac’s varsity baseball coach has resigned, a month after an investigation into hazing and abuse allegations against players on the team was announced.

Jim Sullivan stepped down earlier this week after coaching the team for 13 seasons. Sullivan could not immediately be reached for comment.

FOX5 reported Wednesday that Sullivan said his resignation was unrelated to the investigation, and declined further comment. Sullivan’s resignation was first reported Tuesday by NOVA Baseball Magazine. 

Sullivan’s resignation is the latest development since West Potomac Principal Tangy Millard first announced March 10 that an unspecified number of players on the baseball team were being investigated by the police and FCPS for alleged “harassment and other inappropriate behavior.”

The FCPS investigation into player misconduct has concluded, and disciplinary measures have been taken against those involved, an FCPS spokesman said last week. FOX5 reported that three players were disciplined. Citing privacy concerns, FCPS did not specify what kind of action was taken against the students.

The police investigation is still ongoing, an FCPD spokeswoman said Wednesday. The police have not revealed many details surrounding the investigation, but confirmed April 3 that it involved allegations of hazing and sexual abuse.

Sullivan is the second coach to step down from the baseball program this spring; assistant coach Scott Nelson resigned around the time the investigation started. 

Jason Hescock has been named interim head coach of the baseball team, according to West Potomac Director of Student Activities Aaron Helmick.