Former Tennessee Star Jay Graham Arrested in Nashville Prostitution Sting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Jay Graham, a former University of Tennessee football star and head coach at Centennial High School, was arrested Wednesday during a prostitution sting conducted by the Metro Nashville Police Department in collaboration with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The 50-year-old Graham allegedly responded to an advertisement on an adult escort website, engaging in conversations with an undercover officer posing as a 16-year-old girl. According to police, the two agreed on a price of $120 for sex. Graham was apprehended after arriving at a Nashville hotel, where he handed over the money.

Graham now faces two felony charges: patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation of a minor for aggravated statutory rape. His bond has been set at $45,000. Following his arrest, Centennial High School informed parents that Graham was immediately fired from his coaching position and suspended from his teaching role.

Dr. Clarissa Haymon, the principal of Centennial High School, addressed the community, stating, “Law enforcement has not indicated that there should be any concern for Centennial families. Counselors will be available for students who need support.”

Before his coaching career, Graham was an All-SEC running back at Tennessee from 1993 to 1996, rushing for 2,609 yards and earning multiple accolades during his collegiate career. He later played in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers.

Graham had a lengthy coaching career in college football, serving in various coaching roles across several programs, including Florida State, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Alabama, where he was part of a national championship team in 2013.

In addition to Graham, two other men were arrested in the sting operation: 46-year-old Aaron Barnack and 20-year-old Anthony Proctor, who also face similar charges related to solicitation of minors. The investigation continues as law enforcement evaluates the situation.