State Representative John Carson (R-Marietta) has filed a federal Title IX complaint against Pope High School, alleging that the school’s athletic policy unfairly limits opportunities for female athletes. But district officials, school leaders, and long-standing athletic practices make one thing clear: both boys and girls already operate under the exact same rules.
Carson’s Complaint
Rep. Carson has framed the issue as one of gender discrimination, claiming Pope’s scheduling prevents female basketball players from also playing flag football during the same season. He argues this disadvantages girls in Cobb and violates federal law.
Carson wrote in his filing: “For the sake of the school and our community, please let the girls play.”
The complaint has since been escalated to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights for review.
District Response: Not a Title IX Violation
Cobb County Schools quickly rejected the allegation, stressing that the rules apply equally to both genders:
“As the school shared with families last year, athletic practices apply to all of our students, both boys and girls.
Schools across the county and metro follow a clear athletic practice: students should finish one sports season before starting another, unless both head coaches and the principal agree to an exception.
This helps protect the health of student-athletes by limiting fatigue and preventing injury, especially when sports seasons overlap. Our goal is to support the health, safety, and success of every student-athlete in Cobb.”
In practice, that means a student may join basketball once they’ve completed their fall sport, regardless of gender. The same rule applies to boys’ athletics: football players routinely wrap up their season before moving on to basketball or wrestling. Coaches across the county understand this and plan accordingly.
Did Carson and Some Parents Miss the Point?
The evidence suggests Carson’s complaint may stem less from unequal treatment and more from a misunderstanding of long-standing athletic practices. The rule is not “girls only”, it’s universal.
Students, whether male or female, are expected to complete their current high school–sanctioned sport before starting another, unless coaches and principals grant an exception.
In fairness, some parents may have also misunderstood the rule, assuming their daughters were blocked from basketball when, in reality, the expectation applies to all athletes. This confusion prompted Pope’s principal to issue a clarifying letter earlier this year.
The Principal’s Clarification
In April 2025, Pope High School Principal Matthew Bradford sent a letter to families, aiming to end the confusion. CobbVoice.com obtained a copy:
“Dear Pope Families,
Over the last few weeks, there appears to have been some confusion about whether Pope female athletes can try out for or play in two sports, specifically Flag Football and Basketball.
The simple answer to a more complex question is yes. In the same way, both boys and girls have the same opportunity, schedule permitting, to try out and/or play in two sports simultaneously when seasons overlap.
…Please reach out to Athletic Director Mathews or myself, so we can advise and support your child’s specific situation.
Thank you,
Matthew Bradford, Ed.S.
Principal, Pope High School.”
Bradford’s message underscores that opportunities are equal, and that any restrictions are about logistics and safety, not gender.
Parents Push Back
Still, some parents remain frustrated.
Melissa Bensman, whose daughter plays both basketball and flag football, said: “Last week the basketball coach had a meeting and told all the girls that nobody would be allowed to play basketball until after flag was completely over. It’s not right that this is going to be taken away from her.”
Another parent, Nicole Palazzo, added: “Our girls put in a lot of hard work. But it’s sad that it came down to adults and administrators not supporting the kids.”
The Bigger Picture of High School Sports
Lost in the uproar is the broader mission of high school athletics. These programs aren’t designed to be professional training grounds, they’re meant to build character, teamwork, and resilience.
Cobb’s rules on overlapping seasons are not only common but designed to prevent overuse injuries and academic burnout.
A Question of Meddling
Some are asking whether Rep. Carson is truly defending fairness or simply meddling in matters best left to educators. Local athletic policies are developed by coaches, principals, and administrators who work directly with students. By injecting politics into a process governed by local control, Carson risks overstepping his role as a state legislator.
What’s Next
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights will now determine whether Carson’s complaint warrants further action. In the meantime, Cobb families continue to remind lawmakers, and each other, that student health, safety, and opportunity remain at the heart of high school sports.
