Head coach Butch Goncharoff has been fired. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory Fire them all immediately.. This type of illegal and unethical activity runs through sports programs at all levels. 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. Jessie Armstead, played for Miami and was the 207th pick in the 8th round of the 1993 NFL draft. 2023 ABG-SI LLC. The Bellevue athletic department is on probation for four years. The Wolverines will face Snohomish High School, at home this Friday, in the Week 10 Crossover round. Probation: Bellevue athletic department is on probation for four years. The Colleyville Heritage Steroid . An independent investigation found a series of violations at the powerhouse football program, including that coaches directed athletes to attend the school, that boosters paid for athletes tuition, that false addresses were used to gain eligibility and that coaches coordinated tuition payments for athletes. A committee of athletic directors from KingCo cited in its report a preponderance of evidence that violations had occurred. 12 Mead in the first round of the Class 3A state football playoffs 41-10 as Bellevue rode its potent rushing attack to a dominant victory that puts it just two wins from their second consecutive state championship game appearance. Junior Carson Rubin was the first to take the spotlight two long runs and two TDs got BHS on the board in Q1. 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. Due to state-wide ref shortages, the Wolverines trip to the jungle at Mercer Island High School was moved from Friday night to Thursday. 5. It's finally come to a head. Freemans parents, Yusef and Allona, wrote in a letter this week to the school district that their son lived in the Bellevue attendance area. I found this story on USA TODAY High School Sports and wanted to share it with you: Last year, after a Seattle Times story detailed how numerous Bellevue players had taken classes at The Academic Institute, a private alternative school that former teachers described as a diploma mill, the school district called for an independent investigation. That would be easy. His older brother became vice president of the teams booster club. The second half once again belonged to the youngsters and up-and-comers, who finished strong to the tune of a 56-14 victory. Therevelation is not a product of bias or envy. WA State 3A Champs '83, '01, '02, '03, '04, '06, '08, '09, '10, '11, '12,. Bellevue school officials have previously told Bellevue head coach Butch Goncharoff that the district will seek to terminate him for violations of district policies. 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. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says it's a symptom of a much bigger problem.Media Probe. Editors note: The following is an excerpt from the Seattle Times article of Aug. 23 detailing alleged improper practices within the Bellevue High football program: Bellevue High School has established itself as one of the premier prep football programs in the nation with 11 state titles in the past 15 years. KingCo left the question of whether Bellevue should forfeit state titles up to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). Top-ranked Bellevue defeated Marysville Pilchuck, 27-3, in the 3A state football semifinals on Nov. 27 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. 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. A player for Stamford, Wendell Robinson, lived in the towns fire station and continued to play for the school after his parents moved away from Stamford. To deny them the ability to compete with their peers is wrong and goes against every principle of youth sports.. On November 10, the UIL shocked Dallas Carter and the entire state when they announced the Cowboys were ineligible for the playoffs. Bellevue High is an extremely successful football program. Next stop for the Wolverines (13-0) is the state championship game the Gridiron Classic versus Kennewick at noon on Dec. 4 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. 1. A video of Bellevue East High School's One family complained their son was told his scholarship at the Institute would be revoked if he stopped playing football at Bellevue. Darien Freeman has not returned multiple messages left for him last week. The only actual answer is likely that they didnt know and they didnt care to know. Now, we cannot be completely naive. "This is the most successful athletic program in state history and it's being torn down. 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. Really? Comments (-1) BPS Summer STEM Camps. Updated: 7:13 PM PDT July 8, 2016. Found a preponderance of evidence that Bellevue boosters paid the tuition of athletes at The Academic Institute. Part of Darien Freemans account, however, is corroborated by documents reviewed by the Seattle Times. On BHSs ensuing possession, junior QB Lucas Razore found Ishaan Daniels in the flat, and Daniels scampered 30 yards for the Bellevue score. The deluge culminated in a 34-0 halftime lead for BHS. Who do these kids think they are? What makes them think they are so deserving? You know what? The team won 11 state championships in 15 years, including a 67-game winning streak. The community was stunned. Ask yourself these questions while you scan the details: Where in the name of all that is right were the parents? And that lofty tuition bill? 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. To tear down this whole organization is a crime. Playoffs: No postseason games for four years, Boosters: No donations to program for four years, Games: Only KingCo 3A opponents for two years; no out-of-state opponents for four years, Transfers: Stricter guidelines, oversight for incoming transfer students for two years, Championships: Vacate Bellevues conference titles if WIAA determines that state titles should be forfeited. Coach Kneip said, after the game, What an awesome night to celebrate a group of guys who have given so much to this program! It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety. But the programs remarkable success has depended, in part, on players who werent actually Bellevue High students. 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.. KingCo will vacate Bellevues conference titles if the WIAA determines that state championships should be forfeited. With the pregame pageantry and TV interviews done, the Wolverines got to work making the Big Game a big blowout. In its report to KingCo, the Bellevue School District acknowledged several violations of rules while disputing other aspects of the independent investigation. 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. 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? The evidence shows that the practices KingCo now is penalizing including summer sports camps for kids and paying coaches for extra work outside of the season were approved by Bellevue School District and are shared by many, many area schools, the statement said. State District . The Wolverines will look to keep extend their conference win streak next week, at home, against the Knights of Newport. Ban Goncharoff from coaching football in Washington for life. Hogwash! He played for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins and was a five time Pro Bowl selection. She handles most sports coverage at the station, including helping produce a two-part series on the 50th anniversary of Title IX and the ongoing series "Going Deep.". In both games, seniors Ishaan Daniels and George Kruger were standouts. What sanction to impose if they will not resign in disgrace? 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 . Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory Any booster associated with this mess be banned from any financial or booster club membership for two years. In 1959, Stamford defeated Brady 19-14 in the state championship. 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 coach Butch Goncharoff was suspended two games for "improper out-of-season activities" and for providing money to a player. 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. And booster club President John Connors told supporters over the weekend that litigation may be necessary to protect the program. They were outlandishly gravy training on their 17 or 18 year old kids football ability. The Colleyville Heritage Steroid Scandal. 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. 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. We love the playoffs, Coach Kneip said postgame, this is the best time of the year, and were ready to get after it!. Brazen Family-Central Bar + Restaurant,520 Bar and Grill, The Brazens - Windermere. These findings only corroborate what is probably the worst kept secret in the history of high school sports. Bellevue wraps up undefeated season with 3A state title. Or, at the very least, put on administrative leave along with the schools athletic director until a thorough investigation is has been completed into the financial records (who paid what) and academic record of Academic Institute Inc., in Bellevue. It is high time to clean up this mess. Brick by brick!. An independent investigation found a series of potential violations on the Bellevue High School football program. With the pregame celebrations and hugs finished, the Wolverines wasted no time getting down to business. ', "The Bellevue School District said only one charge was valid and that was the compensation to Goncharoff, and so they recommended his firing. 2021 State Champs! 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 . We asked our fans to vote for the 3A Players of the Year for Texas HS Football Podcast: Championship Series. Unphased by the change, the boys loaded up the busses on Saturday evening, and headed north to Juanita High School in Kirkland. Final score, 49-6, Eastlake. "Goncharoff, the booster club at Bellevue, and many people objected said 'No, this is all inaccurate. Final score: Wolverines 53, Panthers 12. The team should have to forfeit the championships it won. 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. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Academic Institute has a monthly tuition of $1,750. Bellevues head coach and athletic director be fired immediately, 2. 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. JV Head Coach Danny Salonen was upbeat after the game, we never like to lose games like this, there are plenty of fundamentals on both sides of the ball that need cleaning up, but I cant imagine a better opportunity for our young guys and newer players to play a ton of football. Bellevue High School football is banned from postseason play for two years 4. You do what you can to give your kid a leg up because you want him or her on a path that maybe you werent on.. Bellevue Independent Schools announced it has canceled the rest of its high school's football season due to multiple injuries on the team. 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. The investigators report and your editorial finally nailed it.. Location: Bellevue . That was released a few months ago. 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. Later, when the family lived in SeaTac, he said, his mother would drop him off at a bus stop in Renton to commute. 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. The state high school governing body, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), is looking into whether state titles need to be stripped and further sanctions imposed. They don't have subpoena power because this is a trade association. Because of the legal challenge, Carter was allowed to go forward in the playoffs and they went on to a state title after defeating Converse Judson in the title game 31-14. And then there is the claim within the report that some of the misdeeds were not so secretive; they were just direct cash payments to families to get players to Bellevue. Brick by brick!. 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 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. But, we would be lying if we said that there wasnt at least a benefit to these kids.. Bellevue is a public school district. Sat Nov 26 L . At least two families of football players received tuition assistance coordinated by the teams wealthy supporters, according to interviews and documents. He openly shared details of his high school experiences, saying he felt like the program was putting kids in a poor position to succeed after high school and that he didnt want to see the program have a negative impact on others in the future. The Times found at least three instances in which families of players attending the school were either given financial assistance by the team's boosters or didn't pay for the tuition themselves, a violation of state athletic rules. I am also the father of a high school varsity athlete. 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. This fake news reporting in the media hammered down on the program until the program was literally ripped apart at the seams. "And if you can wiggle around with all of these variances in the rules, then they've got a real problem.". Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation. Its no surprise that we tend to have a lot of conversations about entitled young athletes. Final score, 59-0, BHS. In all, six players were connected with 21 robberies that occurred in Carter neighborhoods. football coach makes appeal after ban. That leads to what the money was used for. Now we have to keep the focus going next week for playoffs.. Amazing game and ending for Bellevue Wolverines, The Bellevue High (Seattle) football team is reportedly aided through a diploma mill private school, according to an investigation by The Seattle Times. The Seattle [] A high school state football championship in Texas is arguably about more than just temporary bragging rights. 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. 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. The investigation was prompted, in part, by an exposure in the Seattle Times last summer that found an underbelly of fraudulent academics, illegal recruiting and of course, money. It's the entire structure that needs reform and a lot of attention. Thiel said Goncharoff has been quite vocal about his innocence. Coach Kneip on the game, We had a great, physical week of practice, and it really paid off. The families of two other players have described how supporters of the football program had a role in coordinating scholarships for the players. Coach Kneip said after the game, great to see our men get out and have fun tonight, energy on the sidelines was awesome. 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. Washington state wants to be a leader in climate change, but I sense that the voters are not as concerned about that these days. How did the adults never ask how it was that their kid was taking classes in a $1,750 per month school, yet they never got a tuition bill? 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. Rantz is much less critical of the Bellevue parents saying that, assuming the allegations are true, putting a student in the position to gain a college scholarship is a noble pursuit. While parents arent specifically mentioned in these allegations, ONeil says they would most certainly be involved in these violations and are also culpable. "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.". 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. Armstead is also in the New York Giants Ring of Honor. Jones has filed an unfair-labor-practices complaint with the Public Employment Relations Commission. The KingCo Conference is a 16-team conference [and] their athletic directors decided some fairly draconian punishments. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps is the traditional American response to anyone who complains about his lot in life. 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. It taught them how to succeed and prepared them for the future. An Auburn woman has won the $754.6 million Powerball jackpot. Make it hurt. 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. Along the way, competitors have complained that Bellevue was bending the rules. Per a statement, athletic director Jim Hicks said. Bellevue has 12 buildings taller than 25 stories, 10 of them built since 2005. 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 . "He's still a vital part of the picture. "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. Now lets see a similar investigation into sports programs at every private high school in the state to determine just how many of their players parents are paying full tuition. Of those 17 boys, seven were Bellevue football players. Members of the booster club have criticized the investigation, which was conducted bytwo former federal prosecutors hired by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). That's as many as Milwaukee, two more than Indianapolis and Tampa, and six more than Oklahoma City and San Antonio.. This was wealth gone greedy., Bellevue football report put asterisk on winning record. The Bellevue football story became national news in 2016 as false accusations of recruiting by the twelve-time state champions and 2012 national champions took center stage. Teaching young impressionable minds to cheat is criminal! 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. Any booster associated with this mess be banned from any financial or booster club membership for two years. Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills says the district will appeal. In 2009, along with Steve Rudman and KJR 950 afternoon host Mike Gastineau, Thiel authored The Great Book of Seattle Sports Lists, a cross between historylink.org and Mad Magazine that has become mandatory reading for any sports fan who has an indoor bathroom. And we wonder where entitled athletes come from? 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. He's not going quietly. At the crux of the scandal is a well to-do family that made their money in the trash/waste management industry. At least 17 Bellevue football players attended the program over the past seven years, the Seattle Times has learned. 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. Art Thiel is a co-founder and writer for the rising sports website Sportspress Northwest. Go re-read this story, and you will have your answers. Set the playing field equal, limit the activity of booster clubs to support supplies and travel costs.
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