Roger Jackson's attorney told us that the former NFL player had parents' permission to spank children at his Macon after-school program.
As we reported last week, his program is facing a state shutdown. Jackson, the director, is charged with battery for allegedly spanking an 8-year-old with a belt.
Jackson's attorney, Virgil Adams, spoke to us for the first time today.
Jackson is the director of the Motivating Youth Foundation, an after-school program for children.
Last Thursday, the state revoked Jackson's license after he was charged with battery for allegedly spanking a girl with a belt. They said he was was accused of using the belt to discipline several other students as well.
On Tuesday, the state told us Jackson has appealed the license revocation. Adams says his client was following requests from the parents.
Adams say, "A lot of these parents have had issues or difficulties with their kids and they've reached out to him and basically said Mr. Jackson. whatever you can do to help us, do whatever you need to do."
Adams says everything Jackson did was to help children, many of whom came from single family homes.
He says no date has been set for that hearing.
State rules for programs like Jackson's say staff may not use corporal punishment to discipline children, regardless of permission.
