This is truly a sad day in Skyline history not only for the athletic department but for students that are going to miss out on an outstanding individual in Coach J. D. Mayo. My heart goes out to the Mayo family, for this had no justification or reasoning behind it. God will always have the last say!!

Im a student at Skyline HS & i saw him on monday, tuesday of this week. I felt something wasnt right when he didnt come back to work on yesterday & today. He gave me the job to the basketball scrapbook, i was delighted to do the job. Now that he's gone it really hurts not only me but all the students he taught the players he coached. I didnt belive it was true wheni herd the news. Honestly skyline is the kind of school that likes to keep stuff like this on the hush. I hope he comes back. I wish him all the best!!!!

This is an absolute tragedy!! What direction might this school want to go is my question? This man has done nothing but GREAT things for this school and ALL of the students and athletes. He has always carried himself with a an air with integrity that most only dream of. Heck the only "change" as Principal Harry Wright has put it would quit simply would be down as things are and have always been UP!! This is a sad day for Coach JD Mayo, the former and current students, Skyline and DISD overall. Hinijosa if he has any juevos would make a stand for such a HUGE part of DISD, Skyline and all of the students and players. One can only question any other items on the "agenda" of his removal from Principal H. Wright. It really makes you think if there is someone in Wright's ear coaxing him to do this. Coach Mayo is afterall one of if not "the last white coach" in a predominately minority school district. It is a who you know business like many other positions so one can only wonder what the "real" reason(s) for his removal. You all read the article a GREAT Coach, a GREAT Educator and most importantly a GREAT man!! This is such a sad day!!

This is difficult to believe. It's further evidence of how far the DISD has deteriorated. Coach Mayo went beyond teaching basketball to building character and teaching winning ways in life. Over the years he has declined jobs that paid more money and had more prestige. Coach Mayo proudly cited that he could positively impact more lives by helping more kids get scholarships at Skyline.
Coach Mayo is a Christian man who set personal goals aside to help others. It's a sad day for DISD and Skyline but a sadder day for the young men he might have helped obtain scholarships and had their lives positively impacted in the future.
Mayor Leppert needs to find a way for the city to take over the DISD before it deteriorates beyond repair. The current state of DISD is certainly the Achilles of our community.

In a disturbing recurring theme, our children pay the price for incompetant leaders in the DISD.

Oh happy day! As the mother of a former basketball player, I say, "What took so long?" Mr. Mayo had his own personal agenda as a coach and loved nothing more than talking about himself and his achievements. If you've attended one of his basketball banquets, you'll know what I mean. Mr. Mayo honored himself and not the players. He is all talk, talk, talk and more talk but he has not "done great things for all of the athletes." I have witnessed first hand his ability to break a student's spirit, berate and humiliate, with no regard for the lasting effect of his actions. Sending my son to Skyline was a mistake but valuable lessons were learned. My son is not better off for having this man as a coach and teacher but Skyline is better off today. So long double socks!

Hm I wonder what he did wrong. Musta been sumptin. Just sayin.

This is a very sad day for a great man and a great school. I never played basketball under him, but I did sit in his classroom. There are few people in the world with as much passion and love for both a sport and history. That passion showed through everywhere he went and in everything he taught. Like many before me and after me, I to was tired of his favorite greeting in the classroom – “This is the day the great basketball coach in the sky hath made, be glad and rejoice!”, but the students that do not get to see this passion both on and off the court will surely miss out on a great thing. Coach Mayo - Dr. James Naismith will always smile down on you! Good Luck

We hear that Harold Wright wants to take the team in another direction. I have to wonder what that direction is. I've heard many comments pro and con regarding J.D. Mayo, but I just wonder if Skyline's new direction will resemble the other groups at the school. Will it be more like the Football team where many of the top players last year did not graduate? Will it go in the direction of the Track Team who made news for theft on an out of town trip? Will they use ineligible players like the Softball team, or will the model of the fighting Chearleaders be used? I fear the direction Mr. Wright may heading with Skyline is straight into the Ghetto.

To the Skyline mom above-

I bet your son resisted his attempts to grow up and behave, right?

Did Mayo ever spank kids with a boat paddle? Have them cage fight? Have sex with any of them? Nope. He made them stand up straight, not curse, and act like GENTLEMEN.

He took them to regionals this year. He was a winning coach.

A dad with an arrogant son who cannot mind is behind this. Maybe you are his wife?

Fine, you want to go the way of Madison or SOC, where they cheat to have boys stay eligible? Go on ahead.

I can tell by your post that you are the kind of parent who does not back up a coach.

Gee, I hope you are there to help your son when he has a boss he doesn't like, a cop who gives him a ticket or whatever.

This is Skyline's loss. A horrible way to treat him. No warning, Nothing.

This is truly a sad day at Skyline High School. Coach Mayo has always been one of the most respected teachers and coaches I have ever seen. He has always had a passion for Skyline and the students at that school. He would never expect less than your best both in the classroom, on the basketball court, and in life. Every student he came into contact with at Skyline has never forgotten Coach Mayo and the lessons he taught us.

He also worked hard to help put together an alumni association to raise money for student scholarships at Skyline.

Love you coach Mayo.
Class of 1988

It is so evident who you are and with a little research anyone can find out. I will save you the grief of mentioning your name because you opt to be a coward behind a name like "Skyline Mom" yet have such "brave" words about your son and negative comments about Coach Mayo. A son that isn't disciplined, doesn't and hasn't worked hard at anything, is a wanna be, and can't accept any type of authority and hates anyone that doesn't agree with him is what you have. Well there "Skyline Big Momma" the fruit don't fall far from the tree. Because of your attitude your son doesn't stand a chance in the real world. And you are right you made a HUGE mistake wasting everyones time sending your offspring to Skyline. Your son isn't even athletic enough to make a real team with real players. Oh well it is your loss and might I ask if you are sooooo proud of what you said what be scared behind a made up name. I know it why don't you share with the rest of the class. Hope your son the best like it or not he HAS already taken some GREAT things from Coach Mayo he just doesn't know it yet

This is sad what has happened to Coach Mayo, but I guess this is how DISD is going. They need more coaches that believe in cheating, stealing funds, and messing with the underage girls. DISD has no morals and Coach Mayo has all the morals and beliefs that a person needs. His basketball team is the most disciplined team that there is. He takes these boys and turns them into young adults. If this so called Superintendent has any BACKBONE he would intervene in this and make a statement and undo this HUGE MISTAKE. Coach Mayo has been loyal to Skyline High School, but with this happening COACH, I would get the HELL out of there.

Mr Wright, I hope like Mr Jones from Lincoln that you don't get yourself in the middle of a situation that your head coach has pushed. I understand that it's the "Dad's Club" started by Coach Samples that's in the middle of all this. The facts however don't add up and getting Coach Mayo fired. But now, I guess Coach Samples can run the basketball team the way he wants.

I am very disappointed that Coach Mayo was fired. As a former player at Skyline I know that the best thing about Skyline was having a coach that though us that there was more to life than basketball. He taught us that God should be first, then character/family, then academics and then basketball. Mr. Wright and all others that pushed this firing because of the idea of winning championships is retarded to say the least. There is much more to life than Championships, like good character building, having respect and working hard...all of those were things that Coach Mayo instilled in all of his players. Coach Mayo was and still is one of the most positive influences I have in my life, and it is because of his program at Skyline that I know that you guys, Mr. Wright, got it WRONG.
Coach Mayo I want you to know that thousands of young men that played for you appreciate all that you did to make us the men we are today. Today is not your loss but Skyline's...SKY HIGH forever!

This is a sad, sad day for Skyline HS. Coach Mayo was there when I was at Skyline. I graduated in 1989 and I know times were different then, but he was one of the greats, even then! Coach Mayo, you will be greatly missed no matter what anyone says!

To begin with, no matter what Mr. Wright, or Dr. Hinijosa, or any other administer from the Dallas ISD can or will say in this matter-- YOU have it wrong! DEAD WRONG!

To the Skyline Mom, did you have a serious problem about Coach Mayo instilling into your young man's life the character to act like an adult even though he was a mere teenager when he was out representing Skyline High School?

Tell me any other HIGH SCHOOL TEAM that MAKES the entire team where SHIRT- TIE- JACKET to a game before they walk into a lockerroom... YOU CAN'T!

The walk in like a team, they are to act like a team and they win and lose as a TEAM!

The tradition that was started in the 70's when Coach Mayo took over the program up to the last game of the regionals of this year, the same steps were taken-- but it is much more than that.

Coach Mayo took time to teach his "men" to play the game, to respect the game, and to respect the elders in their lives-- to put their faith above all, and to have character that they can be proud of.. now if that is not what you want from a STUDENT ATHLETE at an URBAN SCHOOL Mr. WRIGHT-- who informed the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION that you were willing to listen and to keep certain TRADITIONS in tact-- then I guess you meant-- THOSE traditions in which YOU think are only worth keeping.

Last time I looked-- Coach Mayo is a tradtion-- and it is because he is known as MR. SKYLINE around the State of Texas no different than the LEGENDARY COACH ROBERT HUGHES of Dunbar, it takes a lot more than just the words YOU'RE FIRED! To tear down TRADITION!

WE ARE SKYLINE!

David M. Muehlenthal
Skyline Class 1977

JD MAYO .......is the A LEGEND.......LARRY JOHNSON.......Grand MA MA ....first big money maker in the NBA $84 Million....in the early 90's.......DISD Wake UP........What up Jason you love's you some chocolate!!!

There are charged emotions on both sides of this issue, and everyone who cares about Skyline has strong emotions. I happen to love certain qualities of Coach Mayo and have been his supporter and a supporter of the basketball program for years; however, personal knowledge of other events makes me hope that Coach Mayo doesn't sue the district and provide the district the opportunity to defend its action and to make his other qualities public. If this never gets to court and everyone goes their merry ways, that will be the best thing for Skyline and Coach Mayo.

I love the notion of clean cut school boys over the image of thugs every day of the week, but JD Mayo was not the reason this school stood, and his departure will not be the beginning of the end. I see people spouting off and attacking the comments of people whose only sin is that they care and that they raise the possibility that his firing was justified.

Allow me to suggest to all of my fellow Skyline alums and my fellow JD Mayo lovers that South Oak Cliff is not the only DISD school with a dark, hidden history of improper practices.

Mr. Wright did exactly the right thing by letting JD "Look at Me Mayo" go. Everything he does is centered around him. He is not saddened by losing his coaching position, he is saddened because he wont be able to put up any more banners honoring himself or his son. He is a wolf in sheeps clothing, and his days of honoring himself have come to an end. I just hope that Mr. Wright removes Jason Mayo's jersey from the gym wall, after it was retired by his father when the kid made only all-district. WHAT A SHAM!! I know the people at Skyline must be celebrating today.

We'll miss his hair!

This is truly a sad time. It's obvious that no matter what you think, you can't ignore the fact that JD Mayo has POSITIVELY influenced the lives of the majority of his players and students forever -- self-indulged or not.

I happen to KNOW him and attest to the fact that he is of the utmost of dignity and class. He is a great man, father, coach & teacher.

Aside from the reasoning behind this firing -- could they not have given him the courtesy of a warning of some sort? Let him know - "hey, your career that you've put so much time and energy into for over 30 years is about to be over..."
I mean, really?

This is very unfortunate, but no matter what happens, we will all have our great memories of JD Mayo as a 'tradition' and a legend to Skyline.

This is what I have to say to that Skyline Mom and to others who are condemning Coach Mayo:

Luke 6:42
How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

I understand that Coach Mayo is not perfect, but none of us are perfect. Coach Mayo is human, he loves his students and he teaches them values which are not taught in many homes today. I am a teacher also and so I feel very strongly about this.

It is amazing... You all (not all parents but a lot of you) blame teachers when your children don't do well on things and say that we should be teaching them, but then when we do teach them facts and values you get mad at us about that too! You should be teaching the values at home. We should just be reinforcing them at school!

I am here to tell you that being a teacher is not like it used to be. We have to be first their teacher, then their friend, and unfortunately a lot of times now, their parents by doing “the parenting”! Parents need to support teachers and be glad when a teacher cares enough about their students to "take care" of them even if that means that they have to discipline them for their wrong actions! I am sure that kids get mad at their teachers when the teachers actually make them mind, but the teachers are there to teach the students to show respect to themselves, their friends, and adults.

You should only be so lucky to have your son or daughter be taught under Coach Mayo. He is a great man and a great coach, so yes he deserves accolades! He has earned them!! I know Coach Mayo very well and so what I have to say to all of you is that obviously, YOU DON”T know him very well at all!! Be careful what you say about other people. Karma is... well you know! I agree with the other person who said, “I hope you are going to be there for your son when his boss gets on to him for doing something wrong.” I am sure that he will be calling his mama! How sad for you and for him. You all need to grow up! I pray that I am instilling the same values in my two sons as Coach has instilled in the kids at Skyline. They will forever be grateful!

This is unbelievable, The Coach that made Skyline athletics what is it today, has produced more professional athletes than any other highschool in his tenure releived of his duties. I went to skyline high school in the early eighties and I was proud to be a Raider, it was a very distinguished school and only the best of students were attending there, I would not send my dog there now, it has turned into nothing but something out of slumdog millionaire now. The racial inquiries is unreal. Coach Mayo you are one of the best if not THE best teacher and coach I have ever seen in my life and I pray that you will seek some relief of this injusitce. You are better than Skyline, well the Skyline that is has turned out to be. I know of several lawyers, doctors, television producers, directors, singers, and professional athletes that graduated from skyline back when it was the number 1 school to go to, now, well I am afraid to see what kind of paths these students go on, this is a GREAT injustice to the students of Skyline HS. I am a firm believer what comes around go around and Principle Wright I can only pray that you get what is coming to you ten fold for what you have done and the reasons you have donen it because I do know the reasons and I will make it known to the entire DISD, news media, papers and anyone else that will listen.

Coach Mayo god bless you and your family, you are and will always be the best coach and teacher any student could ever ask for.

Do I sense a little hatin' goin' on. Jealousy kills my dear friend. Self Indulged are you a bitter individual or what. Jealous of Jason Mayo, yeah?? If you are a real man put your real name if you can back up your words and you really feel that way. I'll bet you are to chickensh#$ though, BRO!!! And banners sure there are plenty however you neglected to mention, for some strange reason, all of the players lining the hallway to the gym that went onto college to play basketball because of scholarships. And whom do you detect assisted in this. True Coach Mayo is no God but he is a GREAT man that does everything in his power to help young men, and here is the clincher, that want to help better themselves. All of the hatin' on here is more than likely tryout wanna bes or has beens that couldn't make the team, jealous parents whose useless thug kids couldn't cut it, lil boys that can't respect authority or just plain haters and that is all good in da hood...BUT where there is only a handful of the venom being spewed blah blah blah by you pathetic cowards there are many many more young professional men out there that if asked will tell you in their own words that this man had a VERY important key in their lives. By truly caring he had a key in molding them into who they are today. But again all the ones like Skyline Mom whose son is a loser and can't take authority and isn't disciplined well all of you haters open up a nice ice cold bottle of Hatorade and sit back and watch. This man is and always has been a legend in Texas Basketball and will soon have the new Skyline Gym named after him. So stop sweatin' the banners, blah blah. Don't hate the playa hate the game!! Now WHAT!!

I know coach Mayo well. Me and everyone else who know him on a personal level,and don't have spoiled brat kid to defend, know that he is a man of intergrity. Is there anybody that thinks the clown administration of DISD has integrity. Think about it, a well respected coach for 33 years at one school or the clowns that are doing such a good job educating our children.

Concerned Alum,
I must say since you seem to have the "personal knowledge" on situations, "his other qualities", WOW and how do we know what you say has an validity. You spout off about "Oak Cliff isn't the only DISD school with a dark, hidden history of improper practices", "whose only sin is that they care and that they raise the possibility that his firing was justified". Please since you can HIDE behind a keyboard spewing your vomit and venom instead of stating who you are (note that almost all that have something kind to say have gladly posted their names but the ones with opposing views are to scared to share their names, why is that?? Are you cowards??) please enlighten us all seeing how you have the "personal knowledge" as you stated. Otherwise you are just another loser sitting behind a keyboard running off at the mouth.

I was so sad to hear that DISD would let a coach who has poured his life into coaching at Skyline High School. He has been coaching at Skyline most of his career and from what I have observed, did an outstanding job.
He not only coaches but he is a friend to so many. He is and always been a man of integrity and the students since that he cares.
How can someone make a statement that they are going in another direction?
Another direction, you say....where??? I assume downhill. Some students are so close to their coaches and will tell them anything. This is the way it was with Coach Mayo. Now who is going to take their days, nights and weekend to really show that they care. Not only does Coach Mayo care but he has formed such a team over the years, winning many, many honors.
I know Coach Mayo personally and feel that DISD has made a terrible mistake. Have they no heart? Have they NO INTEGRITY? Obviously not!
Students get behind your coach, show him and tell him what he means to you. He is in shock right now and may not be able to say much. Write him a letter, email him or just leave a message. Most of all, let DISD that they are making a HUGE mistake.
I wish you well, Coach Mayo. You did not and do not deserve to have been treated this way. You rise above this and hold your head up high. You are our Superstar!

I'm so disappointed that asking people to "dial down" the insults enraged anyone adult, above. Because Coach Mayo IS so well-respected, can anyone besides me see that the principal and the district (including their investigators and lawyers) must have real cause for concern if they were unable to resolve issues on the apparent eve of the coach's retirement?

That being the case, no amount of hurt over this issue justifies any of us taking "pot shots" at others whose experiences differed with ours. If the person who criticized my call to "dial it down" was ever coached by JD Mayo or ever espoused to his religious beliefs, you should know that while Coach Mayo appreciates your support, he would NEVER consider your expressions acceptable: they neither exemplify Christ, nor do they demonstrate the Love of God.

If you want to support Coach Mayo, pray for him. The game is set and now it's up to the players (Coach Mayo, the district, lawyers, the UIL, the kids, the principal) to play the rest of the game.

Concerned Alum,

What would make you think that the principal and the district are intelligent enough to talk to their investigators and lawyers? And if they did, what makes you think they would follow any advise that is contrary to their political agendas? Lets face it, they have not been making good decisions latley. But, I do agree with you that we need to pray for coach Mayo.

Hated to hear that he was let go. You always want to leave on your own. His firing also overshadowed the release from his coaching duties of the Bryan Adams basketball coach, Jeff Stout. Both good men and coaches. Jeff Johnson what the heck is going on in the DISD Athletics. Looks like another black eye

Coach Mayo is the embodiment of what a coach and role model should be. He has shown the integrity to instill respect and christian values to his team and students when it was not popular, he has been there for his players and friends day or night, devoting his life to eat sleep and live for God, Family, and the Skyline Raider Boys basketball team. Coach Mayo it inspires me that in this world we live in full of in-justice and hate that you have the knowledge that if God takes you to it he will get you through it. You have made a difference in my life and the lives of countless other students through the 33 years at Skyline, you have not always done what is popular, but in the time that i have known you, you have always done what is right. Take care coach and God bless you and your family

The man knows how to teach. The man knows how to win. The man knows how to dress. I played basketball for Coach Mayo almost three decades ago. Looking back, it was me that should have listened. He was preparing me for life. All he wanted was excellence. He pushed us until our tongues hung out. Then he made us do it one more time. Life does the same. It pushes you. Are you ready for it? I still wear two pair of socks to this day. It doesn't hurt. Mayo taught me the windsor knot. Put the socks on and play basketball. Put the suit on and shut up. You might be, if you're lucky, ready for what life hits you with when a man like Mayo works with you. I wasn't very good at basketball, but he gave me a shot. He told me if you hustle, work harder than you ever have, you will make this team. He was tough! He was fair and made a lasting impression on my life. Thank you for teaching me to be a man. I get it now. God Bless Coach Mayo! You are one of a kind!

Mayo sucked.. He was a red neck. He humiliated the kids he was supposed to coach... Goodbye Mayo!!

Re: to student...at least have the juevos to put your name if you are going to say this ridiculous comments...just a kid

I just perused (this means read for some of you) the DISD website and found it rather interesting that Principal Harry Wright's motto/mission for Skyline High School and I quote:

"Our mission is to empower our students with the knowledge, skills, integrity, and work ethic to prepare them for life in a globally competitive market. MOTTO: "Unity in Effort...Pride in Result"

I am curious as to if Wright's motto/mission will "take a new direction". The words that were mentioned knowledge, skills, integrity and work ethic...well you opted to remove all of those when you decided or had assistance in deciding to remove this man from his post. (i.e. a little birdie in your ear...hint, hint Dad's Club see above) Good luck Wright with your school and your programs. It shouldn't be hard to run the boys basketball program into the ground like the other programs. Take a look at the recent history of the football team, those well behaved cheerleaders, and the softball team...

I can truly say Skyline is beyond Ghetto now. Coach Mayo is a great man. Don't hate on his son because he helped the program turn around. Skyline wasn't all that to begin with in the 90s. Showcase what you have- Larry Johnson and Jason Mayo.

I suffered through being picking on me because I knew how to behave which a lot of babies at the school did not. Even by the cheerleading sponsor married to a police officer would pick on me. I have seen teachers allow other students harm others in class as a form of discipline.

Maybe if they stopped transferring kids to this school, then those parents would stop thinking "I don't need to parent my child, and will let the school handle it" attitude, and get all pissy when their child gets in trouble. Parents too often let the child do whatever if they are good in sports leading to players like Dennis Rodman and other DIVAS. The kids are there to learn how to function in society not just play games on the field or court.

Skyline has a way of getting rid of good people. They got rid of one vice principal because students were skipping classes and he gave them detention. He was a black vice principal disciplining students of various ethnic backgrounds. The problem is parents too busy to PARENT their child.

I attended Skyline in the daycare program as a child and again for most of my high school years. I endured the racial turmoil after the LA riots. Guess Skyline aspires to aim for Unsatisfactory ratings like Samuel which I predict will happen.

Skyline's football and other sports teams will now suffer as well as the neighborhood that surrounds the school. Guess the school across the street needs to start teaching the kids how to disrespect authority figures like the police and the President of the United States.

Coach Mayo leaving will help establish a bad reputation for the school. May the basketball team now suffer like SMU has with football during the Death Penalty. Skyline loves negative publicity. A lot of children skip school and have caused various crimes to occur during school hours. I know this for a fact!!!

Interesting they get rid of him, but not fire teachers having sex on campus during school hours like when I attended. The teachers (both were basketball coaches)were caught by a student. It even made 100.3.

Coach Mayo tried to instill something that minority and/or poor neighborhood DISD schools lack- integrity, character and RESPONSIBILITY. People in the real world can tell if you are from a certain type of neighborhood and economic/social standing within a community. Learn to dress and act proper, people think better of you and you feel better as a person; therefore, you do better. Why shouldn't Skyline have their children want to do better? I fear that with each new principal the school has had in the past 20 years, the worst it gets.

It is about time! This the beginning of a new better era! Coach Mayo was hold the Skyline basketball program back. Everyone that attended skyline high school knew that the best talent did not play on Coach Mayo's court but they walked around the school. Most the people that back Coach Mayo never played for him. I did play for and I know from experience how cut-throat he is. He would never show his real colors to your face but when you turn your back thats another story. Everyone says he is a great coach but he isn't all that good of a coach. If he was then tell me why his star players never go to a known D1 schools?? The only reason he won so many game s was because he was in the weakest 5A division inn north texas. Skyline is the biggest school in DISD so why aren't we considered a powerhouse in in 5A?? If any of the Mayo followers tryout for his team then you would have been screwed around by his son Jason Mayo. His son is the one who really picks the teams. Im going to say it like it T. I. is Mayo should have been gone before 2000.

First off Timmy D. (if this is your real name)were you even on the team or were you one of those has beens that never was. Timmy boy what is your last name, bro...come on don't be scared share with us all or at least the year you graduated, that is assuming that you did!!!

Hmmm, also judging by you grammar maybe you are right you would have been better off spending a little more time in the classroom and less on the court if you "really" even played for Coach of which I have a very hard time believing. Also the best talent very well could have been in the halls but guess what holmes those halls are full of bros, thugs, gangstas, etc...yep those kind aren't allowed on the court, period, and you know this man. Mayo built the team that he thought would best represent the school. Judging by your comment I guess your requirements would be cornrows, afros, and combs in yo haira, sagging pants, etc... So let me get this right 698 wins=not a great coach. Ok if you can feel right saying that you are entitled but people with a fully developed brain unlike you will disagree, you knuckledragger. You comments are childish and elementary at best. You are obviously a person that didn't really play for him and you are simply hiding behind a keyboard typing at will. It is so evident with the ignorant comments. You never stood or stand a chance homeboy!

Oh Timmy boy what a lost soul you are...HAHAHA!!! I knew I was right. I just read the other article by Ted Madden (link above) and you are the Timmy boy from 3 or 4 years ago. And you didn't "play" for Coach Mayo as you claimed you tried out for the team and are angry that you didn't make the team. As if your previous post had any validity initially now you really are exposed. Do you understand all those words Timmy? It's ok if you aren't good at basketball, you know like you. But to blame your lack of talent and the fact that you are disciplined enough on Coach Mayo is pretty pathetic. Teams want to win and a cancer like you wouldn't last a split second. Good luck in the real world with a job. I wonder if you have been turned down for a job yet. Heaven forbid that you are I can only imagine your response. Keep Hooping!! You need it!! There have been many laughs about your situation you whining baby!! Get a freakin' life you clown!!

I'm trying so hard to make sense of firing a hall of fame coach named J.D.Mayo. I really need more than "going in another direction" as a reason Mr. wright. Maybe I missread his quote. Maybe he said "going in the other direction". Did he possibly mean color.Did I just introduce the race card.Do I dare insinuate that race had a part in his decision.Until Mr. wright comes up with a better reason than direction,then yes I'm going to play it. If the roles were reversed, or should I say colors were reversed,race would be all over the place.Mr. Wright, give us the real reason to dismiss the winningest coach in D.I.S.D. history so that I know it wasn't his color.

It can only be race. Although how dare anyone of the white race state they have been discriminated against, right?!?! You are correct that if this was a white principal firing a black coach with absolutely NO REASON stated, oh my. There would no doubt be strikes, walkouts by students, parents, the entire community crying OUTRAGE!!! Yet a black principal at a predominately minority campus fires a white coach (whom by the way had a great history and all the boys were required to be polite and respectful) who is the winningest boys basketball coach in DISD history, a texas basketball legend, a man of dignity, integrity and respect and conveys that as well. Again ALL of you think about this scenario if the races were reversed. A white principal fires one of the most successful black headcoaches in DISD history yet fires him because he wants to take a new direction. WTF would be the new direction? A new direction can only mean a change in direction. The current status of the program is continuing to grow and get better. Now it can only be run into the ground. Remember that the easily played race card can be played by any race. I thought that I had heard it all, well now I can say that I have. What a joke Wright is and what a HUGE mistake he has made. Karma is a bi#$h Harry Boy

say timmy why you is trippin' man.and what are you t alking about.we all know how you was.it you fault why you gots da boot fool.know you wants to blame it on coach when he gives you th chance playa.you even admits after that it were you fault by the way yous actings all the time.and why you strait trippin on Jason he do nothing but try to make all the boys better. you sad dude.just cuz you got kickt off dont meen you can talks bad coach mayo and jason. you a soar loser fo real. and you wouldnt dat good anyway we alls know that. coach did all he culd for all the boys best interst you too. but you messt it all up. you sad man an dats for real

you have got to be kidding....people are forgetting that the other white coach got fired on Monday too. What is this telling us? The last two white coaches in DISD got fired! DISD is building a 10 million gym at skyline, but yet at the beginning of the year had to layoff teachers because money problems. People...what are we thinking here? You couldn't pay me enough money to teach in DISD. Mr. Wright...you want a black coach at Skyline.....admit it.

As I stated before he is a wolf in sheeps clothing. It took Mr. Wright 2 seasons to figure out what others didnt have the audacity to do in years. Mayo is the prime example of "white man still speaks with forked tongue." I hope Mr. Wright hires a mexican midget to coach the team. He probably will be black but the arguement should be why arent there any hispanics on the coaching staff period. The school is predominatly hispanic. I have been to many of their sporting events over the years and haven't seen anyone remotely close to being hispanic. This is for LA RAZA!!

Grab you a taco or a tamale and just wait...wait for what you ask??? Come on a Mexican basketball coach, really? It would be a "new direction" for sure that's about it. Maybe a mexican coach for the Skyline swimming team would be better suited. He is a black man that couldn't stand having a white head coach so he will get a brutha from anutha mutha in there that will have NO CLUE what he is up against and it will take less than a full season before they are in the news. Prediction: Wright won't even have his job for more than 2 years from now. He is a joke and wanted to rattle some cages. Harry boy right is a RACIST!!! If not then he should disclose the reason his decision to release Coach Mayo

I am sick and tired of both the personal attacks and the obvious refusal of those on both sides of the fence to think about the fact that no employer fires or demotes a sparkling, sterling, error free and perfect employee. It is both suicidal and from a litigation perspective -DUMB! So, as a parent, alum and friend and supporter of Mayo (the good part), let's stop calling each other names, deal with the cards that we have been dealt and ALL show up for the ground-breaking and grand opening of the Mayo gym, which will honor him for years and years to come. Our children should be ashamed of us for such attacks we have pelted on each other. Now is the time for us to make the best of our bad situation (if you feel this way) and help usher in a new coach who has BIG shoes to fill (if you are on this side of the argument)! Enough already.

I'll have to agree with Sick 'n Tired! No one reaches the position of principal or supervisor without having obtained SOME level of training in personnel matters. It WOULD be dumb to demote an employee w/o considerable consideration and w/o communicating SOMETHING with the demoted employee. If anyone tells you otherwise (regardless of the principal's public statements), they are lying! Wright knows, and Mayo knows! WE DON'T know.

I hope everyone blogging will be supportive enough to support the boys in person (not just in a blog), and to support the poor soul who will follow a man with big shoes to fill and who will have undeserved immediate enemies simply because he accepted a position at our alma mater.

How about the show on channel 8, with JD Mayo? He rambled on about how godly he was, that man has had more wives than king soloman. If he cant get a gig being a basketball coach, he sure will be able to get a job as an actor. They wrote the 10 commandments for him.

First of all, our legal system has awarded millions of dollars to former employees due to wrongful termination. Never assume that any professional, intelligent employer will not terminate an excellent employee without cause. Let’s just agree that ANY moral, ethical, loyal, intelligent teacher’s and/or coach’s departure is a tremendous loss to DISD.

I’m sure there are those who were offended or maybe even agitated when Coach Mayo attempted to teach morals, character, loyalty and maturity -- in addition to the curriculum and the game of basketball-- to the students and players at Skyline, because, let’s face it, some parents and students disregard the value and importance of those attributes. And let’s remember that out of hundreds of players trying out for the team each year, only 10-12 will make it. That means many players (and parents) will walk away disgruntled and critical.

From the beginning of his career at Skyline, Coach Mayo has put more time and effort in supporting that school than anyone else since its inception. His commitment requires more than teaching in the classroom and coaching in the gym. Did you know he has attended hundreds of weddings, funerals, reunions, sporting events (outside the basketball program), birthday parties, baby christenings, concerts, etc., and made numerous visits to hospitals, nursing homes and shut-ins to students and faculty within DISD? Did you know he has donated thousands of dollars to students and faculty who have come to him in need? Did you know he has visited Skyline alumni who have been incarcerated, sometimes being their only avenue of support? Did you know he has traveled thousands of miles to support alumni during their college days? Did you know that hundreds of businessmen and women (alumni) credit their adult successes to his leadership, teaching, coaching and inspiration?

Sounds like a great employee to me!

It was comical reading the comment that all he talks about at the basketball banquets is his accomplishments. I’ve spoken to many who have attended the banquets and all agree that they have never heard him comment on any of his accomplishments. The banquet is totally focused on the team.

Oh, one last thing to those questioning why his son’s jersey is hanging in the gym. He played basketball professionally in the international arena, as well as spending a year playing with the Harlem Globetrotters. Those basketball accomplishments deserve to be recognized as a Skyline alumni, even if your last name is Mayo.

I’m saddened to read the vicious comments that have been made because, obviously, those folks don’t know the real Coach Mayo.

Reply to "Timmy D."

Perhaps you are a disgruntled, sub-par basketball player who spent too much time on the bench? There is a reason that Skyline's basketball team is the most successful in all of DISD. This program is one of the few that we can be proud of. I may not be a student at Skyline, but I am a taxpayer and an ignorant, discriminatory politically-motivated decision such as this is very transparent to a mature adult such as myself. NOT apparent to an immature boy such as yourself. I am disappointed that I will now be legally required to pay taxes to support such an unethical organization as Skyline.

Oh, and by the way, Coach Mayo has guided many students on to a successful path, both ON and OFF the court- and prepared them for the real world.

Where else does the support of WFAA staff come from? These are individuals who have followed Skyline basketball for decades, and all they have to say are positive things.

Grow up- kid.

Indeed this "Timmy" was a disgruntled kid that couldn't hack it with the team. He broke the rules and was rightfully so removed from the team. You can see on this article as well as the one by Ted Madden where he whined and complained. Coach Mayo did his be to prepare all of his athletes for the "Real World" by setting boundaries and rules. If they opted to disregard this said boundaries and rules they weren't allowed on the team, plain and simple. Oh and I sure he was REAL familiar with the bench. Get those water bottles ready and very used to standing up during a full time out...HAHA!! This is obviously a very upset young man who whether he knows it or not was impacted positively by Coach Mayo. Now it is up to him to be a "Big Boy" and decide it he wants to work towards being a real man or just a whining kid his whole life.

From: a friend
I have known Coach Mayo for many years. My son
did not play basketball but was in involved
in the other athletic programs. He has relayed
to me that Coach Mayo is above reproach in all aspects of coaching and in life. It a shame that
a man of his character would be treated in this
manner. It apears that DISD wants only thugs to
teach and coach. Maybe this is a good thing for
"COACH" as now he is available to coach in a
school district that can appreciate a man of his
stature. I agree that the Dallas City Council
needs to wake up and smell the coffee in regards
to DISD. There is a great ugly smell coming from
offices of DISD. What a shame.

Well most of you, myself included, believe that everything happens for a reason. Well this is surely a prime example. We all know of Coach's legacy and yes it is a shame the way in which it was ended so abruptley as well as the way it was handled. But let's face it folks, it's par for the course, for DISD. What else would you expect out of DISD? Does it REALLY surprise you? The way that I look at it and the rest of you should seeing where DISD has been going (down the crapper) this district doesn't deserve Coach Mayo. Coach Mayo has shown what DISD and Skyline should show. Integrity, hardworking, caring, compassionate, genuine, unique are just some of the words that make up this man. DISD is and has been on a downward spiral for years. If Hinijosa can't realize that this Harry boy made a HUGE mistake and isn't willing to at least comment on the situation in requesting some type of further explanation on this "new direction/change"...hmmm...let's see "CHANGE"...doesn't this sound familiar? Whomever is selected as head coach had best have big feet because those shoes will be hard to fill. Oh yeah it'll be ok though because there will be another set of feet to help out. I certainly hope that "someone" can juggle the duties of "Dad's Club" and being Coach/cheerleader/ringleader nest year.

I worked for Coach Mayo during the 2002-2003 school year, and it was one of the great privileges of my life. Since leaving Sky High, I have worked in the WAC, the ACC, and the Patriot League, and I can tell you that Coach Mayo as a basketball coach ranks up there with anybody. But as a person, he stands alone. Did he have a lot of rules, some of which seemed silly to a handful of our kids and even a few of our parents (length of socks, hair cuts, etc)? Yes, he did. Were his practices and off-season workouts as demanding as any I've ever seen? Yes, they were. Did he implement a system to check on his kids' academic progress that was so thorough that a number of kids quit the team rather than deal with the consequences for missing assignments or tardiness or poor behavior in the classroom? He sure did. But everything he did, he did for a reason. He implemented his rules to instill discipline, which prepares kids for life after basketball. He demanded hard work because there may be no more important predictor of future success. He held his kids to such a high standard academically because he knew that kids with a shoddy academic record have a lower probability of attracting a college scholarship.

I'm touched by all of the posts in support of Coach Mayo because it reaffirms his positive impact, and I am saddened by the petty posts applauding his dismissal because I know the anonymous folks behind those posts are leading unhappy and unproductive lives.

I will add a final few thoughts regarding Coach Mayo and his son Jason. Coach Mayo may not have won a state championship, but I submit that his track record in other FAR MORE IMPORTANT areas is unrivaled. He has NEVER let a former player down when they turn to him for help (which they do often, even those who quit the team or transferred); he has raised untold thousands of dollars and even come out of his own pocket on COUNTLESS occasions to make sure his former players can afford college tuition; but above all, if you compare the number of his former players who go on to graduate from 4 year colleges with the overall Skyline and DISD averages, it would be quite a stark contrast. In other words, in the big picture, his methods produce incredible results. Period.

And as for my dear friend and brother Jason Mayo, let me say that no one other than Coach Mayo has done more for the Skyline basketball program than he has. Jason selflessly dedicated literally thousands of hours that he could have been using to advance his own business in order to help Skyline's kids. LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF HOURS. So anyone who thinks that Jason doesn't deserve a banner commemorating his years of loyal service is a (blank expletive expletive). I would have been a lot more graphic, but because Coach Mayo has never uttered a word of profanity in his life, I felt that would be inappropriate and disrespectful to him.

As a final tribute and a final note on this blog,I would like to say how proud and privileged I am to know J.D. Mayo. His accomplishments as a coach have been well documented, but few know his personal accomplishments.How many of you have, or know someone who has worked for the same company 36 years.Those of you who have chosen to deride Coach Mayo probably haven't worked the same job for one year.How many coaches do you know who has coached 33 years much less for the same school.How many of you have invited the players into your home for food and fellowship as Coach Mayo does regularly.Coach Mayo's accomplishments will never be duplicated, but more importantly,his character and integrity can never be challenged especially by those of you who only know him as Coach.Coach, you will be missed as a coach at Skyline.There is not a replacement anywhere who can duplicate you as a coach much less as a person.Your legacy is written in stone,and those who truly know you treasure your memory and friendship.I won't miss you because I know you.You are my friend.

As a former "Mayo boy" I am deeply hurt. There are a couple of points I want to make here because alot of the comments about MY coach are from outsiders looking in and those that have no idea.

First, of all the coaches I have had no matter what sport, this is the only coach that gave an extra effort and not only coached a basketball team but he coached his players. Honestly, Coach Mayo taught me some things that I never learned at home. Ask any former player of his and they will agree. Coach Mayo, to an outsider that being parent or student that was not a part of the basketball program, had rules that you would not agree with nor would you understand his reasoning for having them. As a player, at the time, we did not understand them but as a man I live my life according to those rules because they became life lessons. He ran the program as if it were college. We had study hall, we had grade checks, we had classroom checks, and then we had basketball practice. Here's a question I want to throw out there. While in school, if you play a sport, what are you considered? A STUDENT-athlete is the answer. Student is emphasized because Coach Mayo emphasized that we were students first and that basketball comes second. On top of him wanting his STUDENT-athletes to be good ball players he wanted more that we become great men. You outsiders will never know what coaching to change lives is about and future generations will miss some valuable life lessons. I end this point by saying how do you fault the TEACHER/Coach that wants the best for his STUDENT-athletes?

Second, it is understood that in college, athletic coaches primary job is to coach. Now in High School its a little different. The primary focus of an educator is to teach and then if the teacher decides to engage in an extra-curricular activity he or she gains the title of coach. Stay with me here. We see on the news all the time about a college coach getting fired for what ever reason, whether it be the athletic director or president (principal) wanting to go in a different direction. That is acceptable in college without a doubt. Now I ask you is it acceptable in High School? If so, then what kind of message are we sending to the kids about their education? Is the primary focus of Skyline on extra-curricular activities?

I have said my peace and hope that you outsiders have at least an understanding now. I love Coach Mayo and he will forever be MY coach.

-Raider Roundballer 2001-2003

One of the highlights of my year is attending the Skyline Basketball Banquet every year at Luby's. It is the only one I know where former players and parents return to attend. It is an evening dedicated to honoring the players, parents, and those who support the program. (Don't know the Coach some speak of who exalts himself) Even at the banquet, Coach Mayo is still teaching his players to be men of high standards.

I once asked Coach Mayo how well he thought that year's team would be. He paused, and looked up with that Mayo grin and said, "These players will be great men someday." He gets it. I wished all coaches did.

I'm humbled when I'm in the presence of JD Mayo because he models Christ. He's not perfect and he'll tell you that. It's funny to hear coaches, parents, and players with lower standards be critical of him.

He always returns phone calls, always tells you he's proud of you, and makes you want to watch him in action as he teaches in the classroom and on the court.

At the Texas High School Coaches Convention every year, as the exhibits are being torn down and many coaches are rushing to leave, there you'll find Coach Mayo. Taking the time to talk to people he knows and doesn't know, just because they want to talk to him. Even talks to people he knows that don't like him. Never too busy to impact a life.

If you're not fan of Coach Mayo, no problem. Go be a mentor in DISD because we just lost one of the best.

Mario Morones, Class 0f 78
I thank God that coach Mayo coached my son. Coach Mayo opened his house to his players. tell me what coach does that. He is a Christian man that I look up to. Yes, he is not perfect but he really cared about his student/players. I had the privilege to talk to coach Mayo. To all the people that have negative comments about Coach it's obvious that you don't have the word moral in your vocabulary. Skyline mom is your son locked up yet, just wait. The you take up for your son he far from being a man if he ever will become one. To the hispanic idiot, I am hispanic but I am realistic, a Mexican coach? Get real. Do you want the coach to own a low rider? You make fell ashamed to be hispanic. Timmy boy you just weren't good enough to play just face reality. You will go in life just making excuses. To the principle aren't you man enough to admit why you fired coach? No your not like all the the negative comments that are afraid to put their real names it just shows the cowards that you are. But there is a God up above that says vengence is mine. So beware!! Coach Mayo keep your head up Skyline will never have a coach that cared so much like you. Thank you for molding my son he is a very successful married man with morals that you taught. God will bless you tremendously.

A Godly man with the most wins of any coach in DISD history, and the principal says he wants to go in a "new direction". So I guess an un-Godly, losing coach is more his style?

Where is the surprise here? Sounds like a typical, idiotic DISD administrative decision to me. The quality of DISD is practically so low that it defies measurement. More proof (as if needed) is in this decision.

I didn't have Coach Mayo as a teacher at Skyline. However I did know that this was a man that everyone respected. He was always smiling at the students. No one ever had a bad word to say.
One morning Coach Mayo came to one of my classes with a principal and asked my teacher to come out into the hall. See we had a star athlete in our class that had gotten a failing grade. It was playoffs and no pass no play was in full force. Our teacher was told to change the grade of the student. I can't speculate why Coach Mayo was let go. I know what I saw and heard that day. BTW I am a grad of 87.

I wasn't there so I can't say what you said is true or not. But you are only one person. Let me ask this why in the world are we just now hearing of this 22 years later? Why only after his release would one person, you, come forward and say this if indeed it was true, which is probably isn't. You are most likely, like most above, one of "those" that wasn't quite cut out to play on his team or had something towards him. If not please do entertain us as to whom MK really is. What is your name?

Bottom line is this sounds more like something the current football coach at Skyline would do.

Coach Mayo:

To the National Coach of the Year - It was both an honor and a privlege to have played the hoops for you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for setting the standards high for us as players. I wanted to let you know that a big part of who I am is because of Coach Mayo; professional, classy and a hard worker. Along side my father, Albert, Coach Mayo taught me not only the ins and outs of basketball but the values of life and good morals. I remember Coach saying we will be good students, good basketball players and good citizens of the United States. We should always stay away from the drugs, alcohol and smoking tobacco. We should always remember to give thanks and praise to the Big Coach in the sky. I learned two keys from Coach Mayo in my time with him, 1) You will never be given anything - unless you work for it and 2) Once you have it you gotta keep working hard or else it would be taken from you. I am grateful to Coach Mayo for the discipline and the high standards that he set for me and for our basketball team.

I will miss seeing Coach on the sideline of Raider basketball games but most importantly I am concerned for the future of the Skyline High Basketball program and its players. Sure they will win some games but what about winning the game of life? I know I am winning... From the Vasquez family, we love you Coach Mayo.

Have any of you ever heard the saying, "...don't believe anything that you hear and only half of what you see..."

Many parents whose children were on the team at Skyline suffered at the hands of the wolf in sheep's clothing. He couldn't control his own son, so he tried to control the son of others.

His own children were out of control and in my opinion so was he. Our children were well behaved young men because they had "real" parents--something I wonder about JD when his children were growing up.

Bond with your own son JD, teach your own daughter how to dress presentably, (we as parents did that in our own children's formative years) and remember JD, that love starts at home, then spreads abroad.

Yes, I am angry. You were an unecesary evil in the life of my child. His name is not 'Lil Jesse nor 'Lil Eugene. If you were honest with yourself, you would admit that you are a racist and liar!

Your tactics forced children to transfer...