bellevue high school football scandal

%link% Per a statement, athletic director Jim Hicks said. Rantz says he doesnt blame the parents whatsoever. 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. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory After finding steroids in her sons athletic bag in September of 2004, a Colleyville Heritage mom approached school administrators after verifying the contents through a local drug store. 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. After the Seattle Times story was published on Sunday, a distraught Darien Freeman called a Times reporter, saying hed just spoken with Goncharoff. It was a reminder of the Wolverines glorious past that got them fired up this week thanks to comments from Marysville-Pilchuck star running back Dylan Carson that fueled them for Saturdays matchup. That loss was an eye-opener, as Bellevue dominated in every aspect of the game against our team. Until 1968, Washington state allowed restrictive housing covenants. (Image courtesy Bellevue Wolverines Facebook) At least 42 transfer students contributed to Bellevue's football team from 2008 to 2015, according to the report, for a program that has reached 13 Class 3A state championship games in the past. The long-running nature of the corruption uncovered by this investigation could only have occurred with the explicit or tacit approval of Bellevue High Schooland Bellevue School District administrators, as the reportvividly details. The KingCo Conference has levied sanctions against the school that include four years of probation for the entire athletic department,no road games or out-of-conference games for two years, no money funneled into the program from any source for four years, no postseason play for four years and no out-of-state opponents (a big source of revenue) for four years. 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. The Bellevue High (Seattle) football team is reportedly aided through a diploma mill private school, according to an investigation by The Seattle Times. Like many expectant mothers, Miranda Kekauoha had a plan. The WIAS must close this loophole immediately, conduct a comprehensive investigation into the 17 Bellevue High School football players who were offered a distinct advantage over other high schools in the state and should take the following action if there is one shred of evidence of chicanery: 1. Michael Kneip coaches his alma mater and is bent on restoring its football greatness. Fire and fine all involved. Final score, 49-6, Eastlake. Nobody is talking about the kids who lived in-district whose spots were taking by athletic carpetbaggers., Sothe investigation found that, among other things, Bellevue boosters paid tuitionfor some players to attend an alternative school (just like many kids do) in order to receive instruction, compatible with their learning styles,that they needed to improve their academic standing. 4. There's just too much 'go along, get along' over the years. The team has won 11 state championships in the last 15 seasons. 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. The KingCo Conference is a 16-team conference [and] their athletic directors decided some fairly draconian punishments. And a large percentage of those kids were athletes," Thiel said. Brick by brick!. Kirsten Kendrick has been hosting Morning Edition on KNKX/KPLU since 2006. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. Theyre going to find you. Tony has been with Last Word on Sports for six years covering college football around the country. The KingCo Conference came down hard on Bellevue High School football Tuesday, banning the embattled program from postseason play for four years, prohibiting outside donations for four. 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. You can read the Times' entire investigation here. Bellevue can appeal for that sanction to be reduced one year early. football coach makes appeal after ban. Updated: 7:13 PM PDT July 8, 2016. KingCo left the question of whether Bellevue should forfeit state titles up to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). Here's the AP story SEATTLE (AP) - An investigation into illegal recruiting has resulted in the suspension of Bellevue High School's head football coach, Butch Goncharoff, and the team being placed on probation. But, we would be lying if we said that there wasnt at least a benefit to these kids.. Rather than worry about imposing sanctions, it is more important that the Bellevue School District starts to do the right thing, going forward, meaning itneeds to replace the coaching staff, probably shun the booster club, and start exercising control by hiring a head coach who is also a teacher within the educational system., What sanctions are appropriate for people in positions of authority supposed role models for kids when they actively participate in or turn a blind eye to corruption and then do everything in their power to impede legitimate investigations? 5. To deny them the ability to compete with their peers is wrong and goes against every principle of youth sports.. 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. 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. I am also the father of a high school varsity athlete. Yes, they broke the rules to get them on the team. 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. A video of Bellevue East High School's They scammed the system and stole the opportunities of hometown players, stoleplayers from schools that could have used the talent to grow their ownteams, and stole titles from teams that they played. Sports news, analysis, opinions, and rumors. The western-themed student section brought the energy all night, and the Wolverines did not disappoint. This decision is unfair to the players who are the heart and soul of this program. The second half would be spent in running clock, ending in a final of 54-13. A talented Wolves team got out to a very fast start and never looked back, and the Wolverines found themselves on the wrong end of a running clock in the second half. Students at AI a school derided as a diploma mill by two former teachers are still allowed to play on the Bellevue football team. Bellevue High School football is banned from postseason play for two years 4. The sanctions are the latest chapter in the saga of investigations, appeals and denials concerning one of the most successful prep-football programs in state history. The movie portrayed the girls as ruthless in their quest to run the school. A video of two football players from John Jay High School in San Antonio went viral in September of 2015 after they blindsided a referee near the end of a game versus Marble Falls. I think the idea behind high school sports is pretty genuine if you get together and you play sports with the kids you grew up with.. Team supporters have battled the Bellevue School Districts decisions. And the district has cut ties with longtime assistant coach Pat Jones. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps is the traditional American response to anyone who complains about his lot in life. Jessie Armstead, played for Miami and was the 207th pick in the 8th round of the 1993 NFL draft. They recently had a 67-game win streak snapped in the state championship game last December. 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. The Bellevue football program was placed on a three-year probation last year for two self-reported violations, which allowed KingCo to hand down more severe sanctions. Have no fear, Bellevue Faithful, the East Channel Bridge rivalry is very much alive. Edwards was sentenced to 16 years and never played another down of football. My son plays football as a freshman at Liberty High School, and of course the teams one loss this past year was to Bellevue. The newspaper further documented its original article: The parents of a former Bellevue High School football player have disputed their sons account of his time on the team, calling a Sunday Seattle Times articleon the subject false and misleading.. 56-0 win over Juanita! It's not a state agency. The first loss came at the hands of back-to-back Oregon 6A state champions, Central Catholic, on a field goal as time expired, which gave CCHS the first lead theyd had since early in the second quarter. With the pregame celebrations and hugs finished, the Wolverines wasted no time getting down to business. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. "The Bellevue High School football cheating scandal is 'American Greed' at it worst.". Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options! This begins the discussion of the penalty phase of the violations, and there are several steps working through that process, said Mike Colbrese, WIAA executive director. 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. Bellevue High School has the most successful football program in state history - winning 11 titles in the last 15 years. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory He's not going quietly. to Bellevue so college recruiters will notice you; its absurd., An independent investigation found a series of potential violations on the Bellevue High School football program. Part of Darien Freemans account, however, is corroborated by documents reviewed by the Seattle Times. Following the varsitys team lead from Friday night, the Wolverine JV got things going quickly with several big runs by sophomore Matt Reed, and the race was on. An interception by Caymus Rooney sealed the first half, 34-7 in favor of Bellevue. Teen football player tackles suspected shoplifter, Ross: The latest attempt to undo a national embarrassment, Ross: Changing the climate of mental health is a bill away, Ross: A national divorce isnt the solution, but some people should move, Ross: If the American system rewards hard work, cancel student loan debt, Ross: Fentanyl-smoking passengers on light rail present huge danger, Ross: Two less crooks to worry about in downtown Seattle. Plenty of things we need to clean up for next week, though. 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. And in years where cheating was determined to have occurred, titles should be forfeited. 1 Bellevue back into 3A state semifinals: 4 observations, Week 11 Playoff Matchups - Bellevue 42, Lakes 21, (Nov 12, 2021), This website is powered by SportsEngine's. One family complained their son was told his scholarship at the Institute would be revoked if he stopped playing football at Bellevue. What sanction to impose if they will not resign in disgrace? They were outlandishly gravy training on their 17 or 18 year old kids football ability. Make it hurt. 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. Its a disgrace that this has gone on as long as it has. Cheerleaders capture the crowds attention during the game, but one group of Texas high school cheerleaders captured the attention of the entire nation due to their outlandish behavior. Im typical Bellevue fashion, the JV Wolverines matched Bothells two big plays with long, methodical drives and stifling defense. November 4, 2022. The NFL is the big example. Any booster associated with this mess be banned from any financial or booster club membership for two years. GSBA, Comcast, and other partners are working to address disparities in access to financial resources with the Ready for Business fund. Jones has filed an unfair-labor-practices complaint with the Public Employment Relations Commission. And we wonder where entitled athletes come from? Bellevue is not allowed to play out-of-state opponents for four seasons. Along the way, competitors have complained that Bellevue was bending the rules. Bellevue junior Cal Zimmerman (#8) scores a touchdown as Snohomish seniors Miles Lamb (#8) and Easton Leonard (#24) attempt to tackle. According to the findings, 17 players were funneled to a for-profit private school for extra classes and academic help. However, the school often had no teachers in the classrooms; little, if any homework was ever given, and the players received full class credit. Onside kick with less than 2 minutes to go to setup Scoma winning field goal (Photo credit - Pete Caster / The News Tribune), Luke Scoma converts a must-have onside kick, then boots the game-winning field goal in the reigning Class 3A champions' 22-20 state quarterfinal victory over Gabarri Johnson-led Lincoln of Tacoma, A cadre of Lincoln defenders take down Bellevue running back Blake Tests during the first quarter of a Class 3A state quarterfinal game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Lincoln Bowl in Tacoma, Wash. PETE CASTER Pete Caster / The News Tribune Read more. An independent investigation found a series of potential violations on the Bellevue High School football program. This will essentially kill the football program. The Colleyville Heritage Steroid . Darien Freeman had said he lived in that city during his 2009-10 freshman season. Head coach Butch Goncharoff has been fired. Unfazed by the less than hospitable conditions, the Wolverine ground game got to work against a stout Panther defense. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory We love the playoffs, Coach Kneip said postgame, this is the best time of the year, and were ready to get after it!. Our guys played pretty well, its just about getting better., Then, on Monday, the LW JV made the opposite trip, visiting BHS. In both games, seniors Ishaan Daniels and George Kruger were standouts. There are a lot of reasons why he thinks the rules were wrongly interpreted by the investigators. Ask yourself these questions while you scan the details: Where in the name of all that is right were the parents? 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. 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. A 68-page report found that players' families provided false address to gain eligibility and that head coach Butch Goncharoff encouraged players to attend classes at a private alternative school. Wangs 64-yard burst up the middle with four minutes left gave the top-seeded Wolverines (14-0) the winning margin. That would be easy. A high school state football championship in Texas is arguably about more than just temporary bragging rights. 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. BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Bellevue High School football coach Butch Goncharoff told the school board Tuesday that an investigation of the football . In the second half, the Highlanders were haunted by a flurry of big plays on special teams and defense, by the Wolverines. Goncharoff has argued that the decision to fire him was based on improperly applied policies. The win marks a return to the top for a former state juggernaut that won eight state championships from 2001 to 2011. 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. Latest Updates. It is high time to clean up this mess. During that conversation on Sunday, Freeman reaffirmed the other aspects of his account. Members of the booster club have criticized the investigation, which was conducted bytwo former federal prosecutors hired by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). This isnt just about high school sports. 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. A series of three books describing the storied history of the Bellevue High School Football program, and the investigations that surrounded the team from 2006 to 2018. Butch Goncharoff is banned from coaching in Washington State, 3. Here is a selection of the responses we received: Bellevue High Schools titles need to be removed. 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. Mostly because they were too busy taking advantage of the whole in the system for their own benefit. Maybe there is some truth to some stories, and maybe it is just random speculation, but it is out there, usually in the private school arena. But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. This is a public high school and a strong message needs to be sent that this type of practice cannot be tolerated. For more high school stories, stats and videos, visit http://usatodayhss.com. You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest and Crosscut.com. Tacoma WA 98418. Records reviewed by the Seattle Times, however, show that Freemans father has had a home address in Auburn. But Notre Dame-bound RB Jayden Limar led a second half comeback, eventually closing the game out 37-28. The schools don't want to arm the WIAA with investigatory powers. At the crux of the scandal is a well to-do family that made their money in the trash/waste management industry. That was released a few months ago. 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 . Carter High in Dallas took the state championship in 1988, but this new film about the team is not all about victory. The only actual answer is likely that they didnt know and they didnt care to know. Amazing game and ending for Bellevue Wolverines, Top-ranked Bellevue defeated Marysville Pilchuck, 27-3, in the 3A state football semifinals on Nov. 27 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. Blame needs to fall primarily on Bellevue High School. Allow only the students living within the boundaries to participate. 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. Junior Carson Rubin was the first to take the spotlight two long runs and two TDs got BHS on the board in Q1. Good kids and families participated in Bellevuefootball, but there were also some people who stepped over the line. By: Logan Newman, https://usatodayhss.com/2016/bellevue-wash-expected-to-fire-coach-butch-goncharoff-cheating-scandal, Bellevue (Wash.) expected to fire coach at center of alleged football cheating scandal. Of the 24-23 loss, Coach Kneip said, Theyre a really, really well-coached, high quality program. 2023 Bonneville International. The Bellevue High School football cheating scandal is American Greed at it worst! The Academic Institute was briefly involved in a athletic district investigation after the family complaint, but no one from the school spoke to investigators. The Wolverines will look to keep extend their conference win streak next week, at home, against the Knights of Newport. The Times uncovered 17 instances. 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. The coaching staff should be immediately dismissed. "And if you can wiggle around with all of these variances in the rules, then they've got a real problem.". If youre a Pac-12 talent, you are going to jump off the page at recruiters, he said. The second half once again belonged to the youngsters and up-and-comers, who finished strong to the tune of a 56-14 victory. A judge has sentenced 10 current and former high school athletes to prison terms of up to 25 years for their roles in numerous armed robberies in the Dallas area over the past year. KingCo reviewed sanctions that Bellevue had proposed for itself in the wake of a 68-page independent report that found wide-ranging rules violations within the program. Bellevue will be on bye this week, ahead of a Week 9 home game against Hazen to finish off the regular season. One son married a runner-up from The Bachelor TV show and became an assistant football coach at Bellevue. Lets be reasonable., The wrong-headed parts of the Bellevue High Schoolfootball program continued for far too long. Sophomore Ryken Moon took the opening kickoff back for a TD, junior Colin Miller had an interception, junior Luke Soma added a field goal, and junior Cal Zimmerman had his own pick-6. Really? Teaching young impressionable minds to cheat is criminal! A KingCo committee came down hard on Bellevue football Tuesday, banning the program from postseason play and prohibiting outside donations for four years. How did parents never ask how their kid had so much walking around money? The KingCo Conference report, released earlier this week, said that while players were illegally recruited to play for Bellevue, some used false addresses to be eligible within Bellevues residential district. While the Institute touts its focus on education at a full-time cost of $1,750 per month two former teachers label Academic Institute a diploma mill that doesnt adhere to basic educational standards. KingCo will have stricter guidelines and oversight for incoming transfer student-athletes for two years. Freemans parents criticized the Times reporters who wrote the Bellevue High story, saying they hounded and harassed their son and tricked him into saying things that he has no knowledge of. An anonymous tip led the UIL to investigate claims Carters star player, Gary Edwards had failed Algebra and had violated the states No Pass, No Play policy. Who do these kids think they are? What makes them think they are so deserving? You know what? The investigators report and your editorial finally nailed it.. Bellevue High School Football Share this Team > Regular Season . Freeman met with a reporter on two separate occasions at a SeaTac restaurant. They happen to go to a private school that doesnt offer a (football) program.. The startup funding should be part of the investigation. Their punishment is that they will never be remembered well. The Academic Institute existed in a strip mall not far from Bellevue High. 1 Bellevue past No. The most successful and the private schools are usually those that get accused. On the first play from scrimmage, freshman Max Jones took a handoff 65 yards to the house, and the JV squad never looked back. OVERALL 9-3 0.75 Win % DISTRICT 6-0 1st3A KingCo. Boosters have been barred from affiliating with the program. On Thursday, the Bellevue High School self-imposed sanctions on its football program and head coach for violations of WIAA rules. How did parents move into a new apartment and never pay a dime of rent and never ask how that came to be? Every sport has its dark side and high school football in Texas is no exception. 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. She has worked in news radio for more than 30 years. Following the string of robberies, six players were sentenced to prison with terms ranging from two to 25 years. Just one play into Hazens opening drive, senior Joel Schneider made an acrobatic interception, which moments later led to a sight thats become the terror of KingCo 3A: an Ishaan Daniels long run and touchdown this time from 63 yards. The Bellevue booster club in a statement early Tuesday expressed disappointment with the sanctions. Coach Kneip said after the game, great to see our men get out and have fun tonight, energy on the sidelines was awesome. The KingCo Conference came down hard on Bellevue High School football Tuesday, banning the embattled program from postseason play for four years, prohibiting outside donations for four years and tightening oversight of incoming transfers for two years. 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