The Kentuckians elites travel baseball has been place on permanent suspension due to head coach drugs related issues.

The Kentuckians elites travel baseball has been place on permanent suspension due to head coach drugs related issues.

By Staff Reporter
May 13, 2025 – Lexington, Kentucky

In a stunning blow to the regional youth baseball community, the Kentuckians Elites travel baseball program—long considered one of the premier youth teams in the Southeastern United States—has been placed on permanent suspension following revelations that its head coach was involved in serious drug-related criminal activity. The decision, announced Monday by the Kentucky Youth Athletics Commission (KYAC), comes in the wake of an investigation that has rocked parents, players, and league organizers alike.

A Shocking Turn for a Championship Program

The Kentuckians Elites, based in Lexington and known for developing Division I prospects and MLB hopefuls, had been a dominant force on the travel circuit for the past six years. Their record includes multiple tournament championships across state lines, a reputation for discipline and performance, and a loyal following of fans and sponsors.

That reputation came crashing down when Head Coach Terrance “T.J.” Lawson, 38, was arrested last week on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription opioids. According to court documents, Lawson was apprehended following a months-long federal narcotics investigation in which he was reportedly found to be operating as a mid-level distributor.

Authorities stated that drugs and paraphernalia were discovered during a search of a storage unit registered under Lawson’s name, along with large amounts of cash and a firearm. Investigators believe the operation may have extended beyond Lexington, involving multiple counties and interstate trafficking.

Immediate Fallout and Permanent Suspension

Upon Lawson’s arrest, the KYAC launched its own internal review. After confirming the validity of the criminal charges and the nature of the evidence, the Commission took swift and decisive action.

“Effective immediately, the Kentuckians Elites travel baseball program has been placed on permanent suspension,” said KYAC Director Sheila Morales in a public statement. “We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to criminal activity, especially that which endangers the safety and integrity of youth athletes. This is a tragic breach of trust.”

The statement further clarified that any affiliated events, sponsorships, or recruiting showcases involving the Kentuckians Elites have been canceled. All league standings and records associated with the team from the past two seasons will be reviewed for annulment, though no indication of on-field rule violations has yet emerged.

Player and Parent Reaction: Confusion and Betrayal

For the dozens of young players and families who had entrusted Lawson and his program with their athletic development and college aspirations, the news came as a crushing blow.

“My son worked for three years to be a part of that team,” said Derek Finley, a father from Louisville. “To find out the man we looked up to was running a drug operation in secret—it’s devastating.”

Many parents have expressed outrage not only at Lawson but also at the lack of oversight that allowed the situation to fester unnoticed. Several questioned how someone with alleged ties to the drug trade was able to lead a high-profile youth program with minimal scrutiny.

“Where were the background checks?” asked Maria Nguyen, whose 15-year-old son played in the Elites’ pitching rotation. “We trusted the system to protect our kids. That trust is shattered.”

Wider Implications for Youth Baseball Governance

The scandal has prompted calls for increased regulation and oversight of travel sports programs, which often operate independently of public schools and traditional athletic associations.

“This case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive background screening and accountability mechanisms,” said Dr. Raymond Bell, a sports ethics expert at the University of Kentucky. “Too many of these programs are run with minimal supervision, even though they involve vulnerable youth and large sums of money.”

The KYAC announced it will review its chartering and certification protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. A task force is being formed to assess compliance standards for all travel teams operating under state sanction.

Community Support for the Players

In the wake of the team’s dissolution, the local baseball community has rallied to support the players left stranded by the fallout. Other teams across the region have offered tryouts to displaced Elites players, and some youth organizations are holding emergency camps to ensure affected athletes remain on scouts’ radars.

“We don’t blame the kids. They’re victims here too,” said John Wallace, head coach of the Lexington Knights, a rival travel team. “We’re doing everything we can to provide them with a place to play and a path forward.”

A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to assist families with the costs of transitioning to new programs, including travel and equipment expenses. Within 48 hours, it had already surpassed $12,000 in donations.

Coach Lawson Faces Serious Legal Consequences

Meanwhile, Lawson remains in federal custody and is expected to appear in court later this month. He faces multiple felony charges, including drug trafficking, possession of illegal firearms, and endangering minors. If convicted, he could face 15 to 25 years in prison.

Lawson’s attorney, Brendan Chavez, issued a brief statement on behalf of the coach, saying, “Mr. Lawson maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court. He has dedicated many years to youth baseball and asks for privacy for his family during this time.”

However, public sympathy appears to be in short supply. As details of the charges continue to emerge, public opinion has turned sharply against the once-respected coach.

“This isn’t just a betrayal of trust—it’s a betrayal of everything youth sports stand for,” said Morales. “There’s no room in our system for leaders who bring danger and deception into kids’ lives.”

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Trust in Youth Athletics

While the full ramifications of the scandal will unfold over time, experts and community leaders agree that the incident is a wake-up call. It has exposed systemic weaknesses in how travel sports programs are monitored and highlighted the need for tighter checks on those entrusted with young athletes.

“It’s time to take youth sports governance seriously,” said Dr. Bell. “These are not just extracurriculars. For many families, they are investments in a dream. We owe it to them to ensure those dreams aren’t placed in the hands of criminals.”

As the dust settles and the baseball season continues, the story of the Kentuckians Elites now serves as a cautionary tale—a reminder that beyond the cheers, banners, and scholarships, the integrity of youth sports depends on the character of its leaders.