Stoneman Douglas Basketball Coach Arrested in Broward Gym Rental Scandal

Authorities allege coaches used mobile payment apps to pocket rental fees, depriving district of thousands in revenue

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A Stoneman Douglas High School basketball coach has been arrested as part of a sweeping investigation into a "shadow economy" within Broward County's public school athletics, where coaches allegedly treated public gymnasiums as private profit centers. The probe has already led to several other coaches' arrests for similar charges of grand theft and organized schemes to defraud the district by pocketing rental fees and bypassing official booking channels.

Why it matters

The investigation has exposed systemic issues around oversight and internal controls within Broward County's school district athletics programs, raising concerns about the potential for widespread misuse of public resources and facilities for private gain. The case highlights the need for stronger policies and procedures to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of school athletic resources.

The details

Stoneman Douglas High School Boys Head Basketball Coach Shaune Cannon was arrested on charges of grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud. Authorities allege Cannon received a series of four $1,500 Zelle payments from private basketball associations to rent the gym at Forest Glen Middle School, where Cannon also works as a behavior technician, for additional tournaments during the same period that other coaches were running "off-book" gym rental schemes.

  • In June 2024, a bizarre incident at Blanche Ely High School sparked the initial investigation, when a private school arrived to hold its graduation ceremony only to find a basketball tournament already in progress in the gym.
  • In December, coaches Brenton Hankerson and Donald Calloway of Coral Springs High School were arrested on similar charges for running "off-book" gym rental tournaments.
  • Cannon was arrested just last week as the investigation continues, with authorities reviewing bank records, school policies, and internal controls.

The players

Shaune Cannon

A 50-year-old behavior technician at Forest Glen Middle School and the varsity basketball coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who was arrested on charges of grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud.

Henry 'JR' McNabb

A championship-winning coach accused of pocketing $5,200 while depriving the district of more than $18,000 in revenue.

Brenton Hankerson

A coach at Coral Springs High School who faced charges in December for running "off-book" gym rental tournaments.

Donald Calloway

A coach at Coral Springs High School who faced charges in December for running "off-book" gym rental tournaments.

Michelle Kefford

The principal of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who sent a letter to families regarding Cannon's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Providing our students with high-quality learning opportunities in a safe, secure environment is our priority. We appreciate your continued support and partnership in your child's education.”

— Michelle Kefford, Principal, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (Letter to Stoneman Douglas families)

What’s next

The investigation remains active as authorities continue to review bank records, school policies, and school district internal controls.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and internal controls within Broward County's school district athletics programs to prevent the misuse of public resources and facilities for private gain. The scandal raises concerns about the potential for widespread issues and the importance of implementing policies to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of school athletic resources.