Parents trusting a youth sports organization made a chilling discovery: a coach with a disturbing past was entrusted with their children’s care. Thomas Whiteman, known as Tommy, a former professional baseball player, was recently listed as a head coach for the Texas Home Educators Sports Association (THESA) – while simultaneously being a registered sex offender.
The revelation came through a waiver sent to parents, a document that shockingly failed to disclose Whiteman’s criminal history. Instead, it presented a narrative of redemption, framing him as a reformed individual sharing his story to guide young athletes. The waiver described his past struggles, hinting at personal failings but omitting the severity of his offense.
Whiteman’s registration on the state sex offender list extends until 2030, stemming from a 2010 conviction for online solicitation of a minor. Records indicate the victim was a 14-year-old girl. This critical information was absent from the materials provided to families considering his coaching services.
The waiver itself offered a glimpse into the organization’s perspective, stating Whiteman could speak “first-hand about the dark shadows of sports.” It detailed a dramatic rescue from sin, portraying his current role as a mission to guide young men with Christian values and share his “freedom” found in faith. A link to his personal testimony was included, but no mention of his legal status.
One parent, speaking to investigators, reported the waiver alluded to struggles with pornography but remained silent about the sex offense. This omission sparked outrage and raised serious questions about THESA’s vetting process and transparency. Whiteman is no longer listed as a coach on the organization’s website.
Beyond THESA, Whiteman also operates a softball facility called Redemptive Sports. His website features a similarly framed testimony, detailing “inappropriate conversations that led to adultery.” The narrative takes a bizarre turn, claiming an online encounter initially believed to be with a minor was actually with an undercover police officer during a sting operation – described as both the “worst” and “best” day of his life.
The situation extends further, as Whiteman was also an approved off-campus activity provider for the Carroll Independent School District. Upon learning of the concerns, the district stated they are reviewing the situation. They confirmed Whiteman was used by one student during the 2022-23 school year at a parent’s request, but to their knowledge, hasn’t been utilized since.
This case highlights a disturbing lapse in judgment and a potential betrayal of trust. It raises critical questions about the responsibility of organizations working with vulnerable youth and the importance of complete transparency regarding the backgrounds of those in positions of authority.
