SANFORD, N.C. — The Lee County School Board met behind closed doors Friday to talk about a football controversy that split the community.

Thursday night, the board overturned Superintendent Barry Aycock's decision to replace Charlie Groves as Lee County High School's football coach.

No one has said why Groves was removed in the first place.

Aycock cited lack of community support as his reason for reassigning Groves to another position in February -- even though Groves' team had a winning record each of the past six seasons.

Groves' supporters suggested that Groves was a victim of politics and that a group of parents dissatisfied with their kids' playing time pressured Aycock to reassign him.

The school board met Friday morning to decide whether they would release specific information about the effort to oust Groves. So far, that information has not been made public.

After finding out he could coach again Thursday night, WRAL's Paul LaGrone reported that Groves appeared overcome with emotion and relief.

"It's really been tough," Groves said. "But, you know, like they say: 'This, too, shall pass.' And it has, and everything has worked out for the best."