bellevue high school football scandal bellevue high school football scandal

Latest Updates. Final score: Wolverines 53, Panthers 12. And because it's now going to be subject to many lawsuits, there's going to be huge pressure and there should be huge pressure to reform the entire structure of state high school sports. Earlier this week, the Bellevue School District requestedan investigation of the football program by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, which governs prep sports in the state. "It's not just Bellevue. Two former teachers told the Times the Academic Institute doesnt adhere to basic educational standards. Players need a 2.0 GPA with no more than one failing class to compete athletically. One family complained their son was told his scholarship at the Institute would be revoked if he stopped playing football at Bellevue. The players reportedly got the steroids from a dealer named Big Mike who was a fitness trainer. Go re-read this story, and you will have your answers. Records reviewed by the Seattle Times, however, show that Freemans father has had a home address in Auburn. This type of illegal and unethical activity runs through sports programs at all levels. In the second quarter, junior Carson Rubin got on the board with an thrilling 80 TD run, Razore completed his second TD pass of the day (once again to Hansen, of course), and senior DB Caymus Rooney took an interception 40 yards to the house. It should be a Homecoming to remember! In its findings released a few hours earlier, the KingCo committee: Found a preponderance of evidence that Bellevue illegally recruited athletes to the school and coordinated payments for athletes, and that Bellevue failed to self-report money provided to players families. The Seattle [] Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help! Bellevue football decimated the available pool of players for both Sammamish and Interlake for years to the point of Sammamish forfeiting games at the varsity level in 2015. "The report then went to a panel of KingCo Conference athletic directors. The following Monday, the Bellevue JV had their first home game of the season, hosting Juanita. Saint Mary's guard Logan Johnson knows both sides of the Zags-Gaels rivalry, 35-year-old loved his dog, the outdoors and his mother who is accused of killing him, Accused killer returns to Spokane to face murder charge in 40-year-old South Hill cold case. The defense continued their stifling business, while the offense added a 27-yard Lucas Razore-to-Hogan Hansen TD, and a 39-yard Daniels TD run, leading to a comfortable first quarter lead. He is now on administrative leave while this is adjudicated.". On November 10, the UIL shocked Dallas Carter and the entire state when they announced the Cowboys were ineligible for the playoffs. Next week, both teams face a tough and up-and-coming Lake Washington team Varsity on Friday at LW (7pm), JV on Monday at home (7pm). I found John Harrisons (former Mercer Island High School principal and now Executive Director of Bellevue Public Schools) comments to be cavalier; aiding and abetting a serious flaw in the system and, just plain very disappointing given his stellar career as a Mercer Island principal. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says it's a symptom of a much bigger problem.Media Probe This is a public high school and a strong message needs to be sent that this type of practice cannot be tolerated. Editors note: After the original Seattle Times article of Aug. 23 the newspaper followed up with another article in which the parents of Darien Freeman disputed portions of the first article that were attributed to their son. The only actual answer is likely that they didnt know and they didnt care to know. During that conversation on Sunday, Freeman reaffirmed the other aspects of his account. To tear down this whole organization is a crime. "This is the most successful athletic program in state history and it's being torn down. As crime increases, our safety measures must too, GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund. In 1959, Stamford defeated Brady 19-14 in the state championship. Bellevue High's football squad completed an undefeated season by winning the 3A state championship with a 17-13 triumph over Kennewick High on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. Stamford had little trouble in the playoffs with wins over Quanah (43-13), Cisco (32-22), Denver City (14-0) and Olney (15-7). Final score, 49-6, Eastlake. In response to allegations against the Bellevue booster club, KingCo ruled that the Bellevue football program cannot receive any donations for four years, including money, equipment and products from outside entities. The coach should be a faculty member and actually teach classes., These coaches and families have only helped these kids progress in a more beneficial way through life. Courtesy of Stephanie Ault Justus. In the second half, the Highlanders were haunted by a flurry of big plays on special teams and defense, by the Wolverines. Saint Mary's guard Logan Johnson knows both sides of the Zags-Gaels rivalry , "It should be an awesome environment": Gonzaga's WCC title hopes depend on outcome vs. Gaels , Gonzaga rewind: Ben Gregg continues to thrive in expanded role, helps Gonzaga thump San Diego , Daily marijuana use raises risk of heart disease by 34%, study indicates, 'Growing up I can say I fell victim to being a Gonzaga fan.' It's a guaranteed story that will be told for generations, with a record that will be likely painted up on a water tower or on a city's welcome sign. They say proposed project will negatively impact Minidoka internment camp site. Bellevue football players worked hard thats how they won. From changing grades and playing ineligible players to substance abuse and violence, these five scandals marred the face of the king of all sports in Texas. Make it hurt. The coaching staff should be immediately dismissed. 1 talking about this. The movie portrayed the girls as ruthless in their quest to run the school. "That report will be forwarded to the WIAA, which will adjudicate the punishments and will allow Bellevue High School a chance to appeal.". 5. All told, a 42-0 first half lead. Hopefully something like that will come out of this mess.". The blatant efforts by school and district officials to obstruct the investigation demonstrate their complicity in cheating, their utter disregard for the truth and their complete lack of integrity. Bellevue High School has the most successful football program in state history winning 11 titles in the last 15 years. Bellevue Highs football squad completed an undefeated season by winning the 3A state championship with a 17-13 triumph over Kennewick High on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. In 2003 Thiel wrote the definitive book about the Seattle Mariners, Out of Left Field, which became a regional bestseller. I correct you Sir they are in your charge as Student Athletes at Bellevue High School taking a physical education class, thereby bound by all the rules and regulations attendant to participating in any WIAA competitive sport which includes providing financial aid. This was wealth gone greedy., Bellevue football report put asterisk on winning record. The Bellevue High School administrators who allowed this to happen should also face the loss of jobs or demotions. More of the money went to pay for school; the kind with no real academics. In January of 1991, after the UIL completed their investigation and the legal battle ended, Dallas Carter was stripped of their title and Converse Judson was named the 1988 5A champions. %link% None of our business, he said. It should not be about winning at all costs to include cheating by parents. If youre a Pac-12 talent, you are going to jump off the page at recruiters, he said. This decision is unfair to the players who are the heart and soul of this program. Breed initially denied any involvement, but in December of 2015 pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury, was placed on probation and gave up teaching. Finally, in the fourth quarter, Kaden Matsudaira was featured in a long drive, culminating in a 3-yard TD run to put an exclamation point on the game. Who do these kids think they are? What makes them think they are so deserving? You know what? Have no fear, Bellevue Faithful, the East Channel Bridge rivalry is very much alive. There are many changes that should be made but they will never happen because our society places much more value on their teams winning than they do on oureducation system., This incident underscores what happens when booster clubs are permitted for specific sports and when those clubs put their own egos and insecurities above the appropriate life lessons to be gained and promoted from participation in school activities. School District officials are planning to fire the head coach, Bellevue coaches clearly violated eligibility rules for years, Clemson gets commitment from 4-star North Cobb RB David Eziomume, Vermont HS girls basketball team forfeits rather than face transgender opponent, USA TODAY Sports Super 25 high school basketball rankings, week of Feb. 27, 2023, Sierra Canyon 4-star small forward AJ Swinton commits to Virgnia Tech, Imhotep Institute CB Kenny Woseley names top 4 schools, commitment date, Centennial boys basketball 3-peats as champions with buzzer-beater dunk, 'The Last of Us' actor, deaf youth hockey player meets Alexander Ovechkin in heartwarming video, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Junior Carson Rubin was the first to take the spotlight two long runs and two TDs got BHS on the board in Q1. He can also be found on twitter @tonybruin, Unrecognizable U.S. Mens National Team Defeats Costa Rica, NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers win Game 3 Convincingly over Golden State Warriors. The silver lining from one of the biggest scandals in Texas high school football history is the number of players who went on to continue their football careers in college. Photos: William Wang powers No. We depend on members for more than half of our financial support. The Academic Institute was briefly involved in a athletic district investigation after the family complaint, but no one from the school spoke to investigators. Darien Freeman has not returned multiple messages left for him last week. The second half once again belonged to the youngsters and up-and-comers, who finished strong to the tune of a 56-14 victory. That loss was an eye-opener, as Bellevue dominated in every aspect of the game against our team. Rescind the championship titles, and ban the team from any post-season playoffs for five years. football coach makes appeal after ban. Accepted a Bellevue resolution that it will not renew contracts for two years of coaches who violated the WIAA rule that stipends and gifts of more than $500 must be approved by the school board. The Bellevue grads on staff are Jake Hiller (2010, offensive line coach), Morgann Richey (2014, offensive line), Ryan Gilbert (2015, defensive backs), Jack Michael (2015, defensive backs), Matt Gilbert (2012, defensive coordinator), AJ Kneip (2016, offensive line/strength coach), Miles Carlson (2016, defensive back), Quinn Sullivan (2018, linebackers), Joe Razore (1997, offensive coordinator), Cam Johnson (1999, wide receivers), Peter Nguyen (2009, wide receivers) and Jojo Connor (2010, quarterbacks). What sanction to impose if they will not resign in disgrace? That leads to what the money was used for. Brady rolled through the playoffs that year up until the state game beating Belton (66-8), Taylor (30-8), Jasper (24-0) and Palacios (22-0). And a large percentage of those kids were athletes," Thiel said. Its unfortunate for the kids who played therebut also hard on those who played against Bellevue, too. Bier on the Pier takes place on October 7th and 8th and features local ciders, food trucks and live music - not to mention the beautiful views of the Guemes Channel and backdrop of downtown Anacortes. In 2012, Freeman was among 17 boys pictured in the sophomore, junior and senior pages of an Academic Institute yearbook reviewed by the Times. 710 ESPN Seattles Danny ONeil thinks the parents are misguided. During one of the meetings with the Times, Freeman said he no longer had a relationship with his father. There are no legitimate answers to those questions. It was so one-sided and evident that something was different about this team in comparison to the other nine teams Liberty played against., For every year they won the state championship, that should be the number of years they are not qualified to compete in theplayoffs. OVERALL 9-3 0.75 Win % DISTRICT 6-0 1st3A KingCo. Under ominous clouds and heavy winds, the Wolverines took the field in their electric yellow uniforms, to face the visiting Snohomish Panthers in a Week 10 crossover game. That was released a few months ago. Updated: 7:13 PM PDT July 8, 2016. Touchdowns from Sharp, Jones, Reed, and freshman Trevin King kept the Bellevue offense on top, for a 49-22 win. Lets be reasonable., The wrong-headed parts of the Bellevue High Schoolfootball program continued for far too long. In its report to KingCo, the Bellevue School District acknowledged several violations of rules while disputing other aspects of the independent investigation. Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Washington is one of the most successful high school football programs in the country, with 11 state titles in 15 years, a 67-game winning streak covering some of that period and a national footprint that has had them playing on ESPN . Goncharoff built Bellevue into a football dynasty. Jayson Jenks: 206-464-8277 or, cited in its report a preponderance of evidence that violations had occurred, 68-page independent report that found wide-ranging rules violations within the program, Bellevue football banned from postseason for 4 years, WIAA lifts Bellevue postseason ban, strips two state titles, Cedar Park Christian hires ex-Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff, Two-year ban for Goncharoff ruled violation of union rights, After upheaval, sanctions, Bellevue ready to get back to playing football again, Report: Bellevue coaches violated rules for years, district obstructed probe, was placed on a three-year probation last year, district had proposed a suspension of the teams booster club along with meetings. BELLEVUE, Ky. (WXIX) - Bellevue police are stepping up for the high-school football team in their community after this week's news that the rest of the . After the half, the BHS offense really got rolling, including a 44-yard TD run from junior Blake Teets, a 24-yard TD run from sophomore Ryken Moon, and a screen pass from Razore that junior Cal Zimmerman took 21 yards to pay dirt. The specifics of what happened is more symbolic of what is preposterously wrong with parents who lack the ability to teach their kids the responsibilities of being a student athlete. The NFL is the big example. Luke Scoma wins it for Bellevue with his 43-yard field goal in Wolverines' 22-20 win over Lincoln of Tacoma in Class 3A quarterfinals. KingCo will vacate Bellevues conference titles if the WIAA determines that state championships should be forfeited. While parents arent specifically mentioned in these allegations, ONeil says they would most certainly be involved in these violations and are also culpable. And I think the only thing that can be a positive is major reformation. Texas HS Football State Champions: 1920-2022, 2022 3A Fan Vote All-Texas High School Football Team, TXHSFB Podcast Championship Edition: Benjamin Mustangs, 2022 2A Fan Vote All-Texas High School Football Team, Texas HS Football Fan Vote Player Of The Year. These are the kinds of challenges we look for., Then, this past Friday, the Wolverines made the long drive up to Lake Stevens High School, home of the preseason 4A #1 Vikings. The KingCo Conference is a 16-team conference [and] their athletic directors decided some fairly draconian punishments. Embattled Bellevue High School football coaches took another hit Friday as an executive board made up of high school principals increased penalties for the head . 5 seeded Wolverines (8-2) walloped No. Im typical Bellevue fashion, the JV Wolverines matched Bothells two big plays with long, methodical drives and stifling defense. Weve seen a couple of surveys about Seattles happiness rating, one shows us near the top for happiness, and one has us closer to the bottom. There are absolutely no facts to support KingCos conclusion they have foolishly relied on the false inferences of the WIAAs original report, Goncharoffs statement said. Freeman said he may have misunderstood the conversation about rent and that it was possible Goncharoff had only worked to help the family find a place to rent in Bellevue. SEATTLE An independent investigation into the Bellevue High football team uncovered "significant and long-standing violations" of state sports rules and extensive evidence that the team's. Varsity takes the field this Saturday (10/8) at Juanita, at 7pm, while the JV will face Juanita at home the following Monday. Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills says the district will appeal. The players were ejected from the game, suspended and an investigation launched. The second quarter was the Carson Rubin Show, as he added 10- and 35-yard TD runs, and even a two-point conversion, helping the Wolverines take a 26-6 lead to the locker room. Among the players who have attended Academic Institute were those instrumental in Bellevues recent 67-game winning streak: Myles Jack, a linebacker now at UCLA; Marcus Griffin, a defensive tackle at the University of Arizona; and Max Richmond, a wide receiver at the University of Washington. Other families allegedly acquired apartments within the schools boundaries, with the rent being paid by boosters. Now, we cannot be completely naive. He's not going quietly. Bellevue (Wash.) School District officials are planning to fire the head coach of the Bellevue High School football team, according to a letter sent to the coach by a top district official and . Found a preponderance of evidence that Bellevue boosters paid the tuition of athletes at The Academic Institute. A third player whose family couldnt afford the steep tuition said he attended Academic Institute for two years without knowing who picked up the tab. It hid and manipulated scientific and medical research and evidence to hide the price their players were paying on the field due to head injuries. If our society didnt place such a level of importance on winning at all costs, this type of thing wouldnt happen. Art Thiel is a co-founder and writer for the rising sports website Sportspress Northwest. Tornados drive 94 yards on 16 plays, capped by Damian Aalona's 1-yard quarterback keeper for a touchdown, to win action-packed Class 3A semifinal game at Art Crate Field. It is high time to clean up this mess. We asked readers for their thoughts on what repercussions the Bellevue football program should face, as well as what the scandal says about high-school sports. PF 497 PA 185 STREAK 1L. Thanks to state-wide referee shortages, the Wolverines had to reschedule their weekly Friday night appointment to Saturday. Sanctions need to be put in place against the school as well as the BHS booster club to ensure the high-school programs for our conference and state are fair, as all sports should be. The players spent 75 days in the districts alternative school after the incident. The investigators report and your editorial finally nailed it.. Along the way, competitors have complained that Bellevue was bending the rules. ", "Pretty serious stuff," Thiel said. In the post-game interview, Coach Kneip told KING5, Its really fun to come out here in this great environment, packed house, theyre a great football team. From changing grades and playing ineligible players to substance abuse and violence, these five scandals marred the face of the king of all sports in Texas. It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory The Bellevue High (Seattle) football team is reportedly aided through a "diploma mill" private school, according to an investigation by The Seattle Times . An independent investigation found a series of potential violations on the Bellevue High School football program. And booster club President John Connors told supporters over the weekend that litigation may be necessary to protect the program. Adults knew this was going on for years. Edwards was sentenced to 16 years and never played another down of football. No, its not something we want to teach our kids as the right thing to do, he said. "The schools want it that way. Amazing game and ending for Bellevue Wolverines, Bellevue can appeal the sanctions to KingCo principals within five school days, then can appeal to the executive board of the SeaKing District and ultimately to the executive board of the WIAA. Food, Drink, and Coastal Christmas Anacortes has it all. Darien Freeman had said he lived in that city during his 2009-10 freshman season. June 29, 2022 Posted in&nbspkawasaki monster energy jersey. After two rigorous non-conference games, Bellevue kicked off KingCo 3A conference play this past Friday night against Liberty High School of Renton. According to the findings, 17 players were funneled to a for-profit private school for extra classes and academic help. An investigation into the allegations by the Dallas Morning News led to the school investigating the claims as well. The Wolverines found paydirt early and often, ending the first quarter with a 280 lead, eventually taking a 35-0 lead to half. A KingCo committee came down hard on Bellevue football Tuesday, banning the program from postseason play and prohibiting outside donations for four years. "The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), which is the administrative body that governs prep sports hired two investigators who produced a 68-page report that confirmed much of what the Times discovered as well as other things. Goncharoff released a statement after KingCos sanctions were handed down. Brick by brick!. ONeil, however, says its misguided to think playing for Bellevue will be a ticket to free higher education, even if its a slightly more noble idea than parents creating super teams to win high school championships. Bellevue High is an extremely successful football program. Led by senior running back William Wang as the wrecking ball of destruction in Bellevues vaunted Wing-T rushing attack, the Wolverines dogged Rainier Beach all night on the ground in a 56-22 triumph on Friday night in Class 3A state quarterfinals at Bellevue High School, Highlights of Bellevue's 56-22 win over Rainier Beach in the quarterfinals of the 3A State Playoffs. The community was stunned. Coach Kneip said after the victory, Amazing atmosphere tonight!! Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Bellevue High School, Wolverine Way, Bellevue, WA, USA Sat Nov 19 W 22-20 @ Lincoln High School "Abes" Lincoln Bowl, Tacoma, WA, USA - 701 S. 37th Street. What is your main job as a parent? The final score is simply listed as Brady 1 Stamford 0 in the states record books. These efforts were and are fully within the rules., The boosters vowed to continue to fight. I am also the father of a high school varsity athlete. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. If that wasnt enough, the main boosters involved are discussing suing the conference over the penalties and coach Goncharoff says he has been set up. Thiel said Goncharoff has been quite vocal about his innocence. "The Bellevue High School football cheating scandal is 'American Greed' at it worst.". Washington needs more than 1 million homes in the next 20 years, Islanders speak out against Lava Ridge Wind Project, WA Lottery reveals Auburn woman as winner of $754.6 million Powerball jackpot, Victim energy is a siren song to which we must stop our ears | Whales Tales, Teams roll into action on renovated South Mercer Playfields. Later, when the family lived in SeaTac, he said, his mother would drop him off at a bus stop in Renton to commute. Despite the short week, the Wolverines came out fast against a spirited Islander squad, thanks to TDs from Ishaan Daniels, Carson Rubin, and Kaden Matsudaira, culminating in a 35-0 halftime lead. Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills says the district will appeal. Bellevue has also been the subject of a nearly year-long investigation by the KingCo Conference, the league governing body for high school athletics in King County. BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Bellevue School District officials and booster club members are fighting back against a blistering report that alleged recruitment violations within the Bellevue High. Court records from an eviction case also show a Yusef Freeman was renting an apartment in Sammamish in 2009. Come one, come all! Like many expectant mothers, Miranda Kekauoha had a plan. After starting the season in Sports Illustrateds SB Live Top 25, the Wolverines found themselves on the wrong end of two tightly contested losses to start their 2022 campaign. "They also discovered compensation to the head coach, Butch Goncharoff, of $60,000 a year that was well in excess of what the standards are for high school coaches.". (Image courtesy Bellevue Wolverines Facebook) School district leaders initially sought to have the booster club answer questions about its relationship with Academic Institute. "I would say the rules are loose. In an article about how Bellevues success was aided by a small private school, Freeman, 20, told the Times that he lived in four different cities during his years with the Bellevue football team Sammamish, Bellevue, Auburn and SeaTac. Goncharoff has argued that the decision to fire him was based on improperly applied policies. Its a disgrace that this has gone on as long as it has. All the coaches involved should lose their jobs and be required to return any money they received that was above the amount they were legally entitled to. As reported by the Seattle Times, which has led the investigation of the Bellevue scandal throughout, the Bellevue program made at least $175,000 in payments to on leave head football coach Butch . Bellevue can appeal for that sanction to be reduced one year early. A native of Southern California, now living in North Carolina, he has been working in broadcast, print and digital media for nearly 30 years. The Wolverines will face Snohomish High School, at home this Friday, in the Week 10 Crossover round. BHS cheated its own eligible students of playing. The Academic Institute has a monthly tuition of $1,750. HOME 5-1 AWAY 4-1 NEUTRAL 0-1. Three players robbed a Jack in the Box, two star players robbed a video exchange at gunpoint and walked away with $256 and robbed a mexican restaurant taking $11,000. It taught them how to succeed and prepared them for the future. The win marks a return to the top for a former state juggernaut that won eight state championships from 2001 to 2011. Brazen Family-Central Bar + Restaurant,520 Bar and Grill, The Brazens - Windermere. By, Its almost like a cult. Activists shout down rural renewable energy projects, Amazon pauses construction in Virginia on its second headquarters, Dam owner guilty in field turf pollution of Puyallup River, First auction held for licenses to pollute in Washington, How this year's Selma Bridge Crossing could mark a community renaissance, Russia's foreign minister gets laughed at over Ukraine remarks at a global conference, Students learn lessons on climate change, pollution through raising salmon. Tacoma WA 98418. Sat Nov 26 L . With ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary What Carter Lost screening Aug. 24, audiences are primed to remember the glory and scandal that surrounded Dallas Carter High School's football team nearly 30 . Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds. We asked our fans to vote for the 3A Players of the Year for Texas HS Football Podcast: Championship Series. Daniels got the second half rolling with his fourth house call of the game, and Luke Scoma added a late field goal to give the Wolverines a 44-13 win. Its no surprise that we tend to have a lot of conversations about entitled young athletes. Now we need to do it again! Lots of work to be done to get where we want to be, though. Recent newspaper headlines should bring the immediate firing of Butch Goncharoff, Bellevue High School football coach. And in years where cheating was determined to have occurred, titles should be forfeited. Then, on Monday, the JV took the field north of the lake, against the Bothell Cougars. Mind you, this is not the kind of booster club that has bake sales to pay for road trips. At a Tuesday news conference, Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills said the report contains information that requires immediate action, but the district has not saidwhat that action will be. With the pregame pageantry and TV interviews done, the Wolverines got to work making the Big Game a big blowout. "They also discovered that there was a small school within the school called the Academic Institute, which was privately funded by a lot of the boosters to give educations to students who were struggling.