Now we have to keep the focus going next week for playoffs.. 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. On BHSs ensuing possession, junior QB Lucas Razore found Ishaan Daniels in the flat, and Daniels scampered 30 yards for the Bellevue score. Rescind the championship titles, and ban the team from any post-season playoffs for five years. Instead, athletes became eligible to play for the football powerhouse by traveling to a Bellevue office park for classes at an obscure, 40-student private school: The Academic Institute, Inc. "Goncharoff, the booster club at Bellevue, and many people objected said 'No, this is all inaccurate. The players were ejected from the game, suspended and an investigation launched. "This issue with Bellevue has been around for many years. Bellevue High School Football The Times uncovered 17 instances of Bellevue players who attend the Academic Institute, a small private school which does not offer football, in the last seven years. Bellevue High School Football The parents confirmed in their letter that they received financial support, but said they properly requested aid from the school. Students at a private school without a football team can play for a public-school team in their home district. 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 Bellevue High football team is reportedly aided by a diploma mill private school. The events took place under the watch of school district officials who conceded that discounted tuition for athletes would constitute a violation of state athletic rules, a district document shows. The players spent 75 days in the districts alternative school after the incident. Even private schools require the students attend classes at that institution and make the grades to play, not go to a strip-mall diploma mill., The Seattle Times closes comments on particularly sensitive stories. 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 . Discretely paid for by the booster club. 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. Bellevue High School football is banned from postseason play for two years. 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. Report: Bellevue football coaches violated rules for years Photos: William Wang powers No. 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. 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. Make it hurt. 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. Department of Commerce officials say communities will need diverse housing options in the future as well. 1 Bellevue past No. Sophomore Ollie Sharp, and freshmen Max Jones also found the end zone, en route to a 46-7 Bellevue win, capping their first JV tour in years. Kirsten is also a sports lover. The Seattle [] Therevelation is not a product of bias or envy. A High School Football Program Just Got the SMU-Style Death - Forbes Some prominent college football players are named in the report as having been cycled through The Academic Institute. The community was stunned. Goncharoff released a statement after KingCos sanctions were handed down. In 1959, Stamford defeated Brady 19-14 in the state championship. And that lofty tuition bill? The win at all costs mentality, and the sad state of parents living vicariously through their childs athletic accomplishments, has put a pockmark on youth sports. The second half saw more of the same stingy Wolverine defense, and scores being added by another long Daniels run, and a 30-yard TD connection from Razore to junior TE, Hogan Hansen. 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. School district leaders initially sought to have the booster club answer questions about its relationship with Academic Institute. All Rights Reserved. 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. Bellevue High coach pleads: 'This has been a setup since day one do 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.. But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. 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. Hopefully something like that will come out of this mess.". The NFL is the big example. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps is the traditional American response to anyone who complains about his lot in life. In the second half, the Highlanders were haunted by a flurry of big plays on special teams and defense, by the Wolverines. Bellevue can appeal for that sanction to be reduced one year early. 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. The coaching staff should be immediately dismissed. 5. Come celebrate Anacortes 11th annual Bier on the Pier! At least 17 Bellevue football players attended the program over the past seven years, the Seattle Times has learned. 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. To deny them the ability to compete with their peers is wrong and goes against every principle of youth sports.. The Bellevue High School football team is one victory away from the ultimate return to glory. The Wolverines will look to keep extend their conference win streak next week, at home, against the Knights of Newport. 9 Rainier Beach into WIAA 3A state semifinals, William Wangs career night lifts No. "I would say the rules are loose. 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. Members of the booster club have criticized the investigation, which was conducted bytwo former federal prosecutors hired by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. ", "Pretty serious stuff," Thiel said. A video of Bellevue East High School's That's as many as Milwaukee, two more than Indianapolis and Tampa, and six more than Oklahoma City and San Antonio.. Published: Oct. 14, 2022 at 6:55 PM PDT. Boosters have been barred from affiliating with the program. Mercer Island Football Booster Club President, 1988-89. Bellevue (Wash.) expected to fire coach at center of alleged football David R. Evans Armstead is also in the New York Giants Ring of Honor. This was wealth gone greedy., Bellevue football report put asterisk on winning record. Bellevue High School Football Mostly because they were too busy taking advantage of the whole in the system for their own benefit. Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options! 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 schools want it that way. The schools don't want to arm the WIAA with investigatory powers. The Bellevue booster club in a statement early Tuesday expressed disappointment with the sanctions. Former Bellevue Football assistant head coach publishes his side of the Bellevue is a public school district. In their opening possession, Carson Rubin zigged and zagged, dicing the defense with a 29-yard touchdown run. Bellevue High School (WA) Varsity Football - MaxPreps.com It is high time to clean up this mess. And a large percentage of those kids were athletes," Thiel said. 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. Bellevue wraps up undefeated season with 3A state title. On the first play from scrimmage, freshman Max Jones took a handoff 65 yards to the house, and the JV squad never looked back. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy, A Grip on Sports: The action, good and bad, hits a little closer to home today, ESPN analysts expect 'rocking' Kennel for GameDay show, 'heavyweight fight' in Gonzaga-Saint Mary's nightcap , '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. 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. 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. One son married a runner-up from The Bachelor TV show and became an assistant football coach at Bellevue. 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. To do whats best for your kid, he said. Dubbed The Fab Five, McKinney North High Schools Fab Five became the focus of a made for TV movie when photos of the cheerleaders drinking, scantily clad and engaging in risque behavior landed them in hot water with the cheer sponsor. Later, a traffic citation was issued to a Yusef Freeman with an address in SeaTac. "The Bellevue High School football cheating scandal is 'American Greed' at it worst.". 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. 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. "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. 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. Often it would be well past dark by the time he returned home. 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. 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). 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 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 Wolverines found paydirt early and often, ending the first quarter with a 280 lead, eventually taking a 35-0 lead to half. 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. Every sport has its dark side and high school football in Texas is no exception. They say proposed project will negatively impact Minidoka internment camp site. Among those, Freeman said Goncharoff directed him to attend the Academic Institute instead of studying at Bellevue. The booster club should be disbanded. The Wolverines will face Snohomish High School, at home this Friday, in the Week 10 Crossover round. Get the days top sports headlines and breaking news delivered to your inbox by subscribing here. 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 if you can wiggle around with all of these variances in the rules, then they've got a real problem.". 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. Like many expectant mothers, Miranda Kekauoha had a plan. Go re-read this story, and you will have your answers. Here is a selection of the. 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. It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety. BELLEVUE, Wash. -- While the Bellevue High football scandal gets sorted out, a forgotten casualty are the players who will experience the looming sanctions and coaching shake-up firsthand.Players . They happen to go to a private school that doesnt offer a (football) program.. Or that they never had homework from that school? If youre a Pac-12 talent, you are going to jump off the page at recruiters, he said. Michael Kneip coaches his alma mater and is bent on restoring its football greatness. Bellevue Wolverines Varsity - Bellevue High School Football Its a disgrace that this has gone on as long as it has. bellevue high school football scandal - scrapcinema.fr Bellevue has 12 buildings taller than 25 stories, 10 of them built since 2005. I think its terrible when parents get involved and start trying to tilt the playing field for high school sports, he said. The Bellevue High (Seattle) football team is reportedly aided through a "diploma mill" private school, according to an investigation by The Seattle Times . 2021 State Champs! 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. In the end, nine football players at the school admitted to using over the counter steroid-like substances and prescription steroids. But the programs remarkable success has depended, in part, on players who werent actually Bellevue High students. Fire and fine all involved. 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. The movie portrayed the girls as ruthless in their quest to run the school. It should be a Homecoming to remember! He played for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins and was a five time Pro Bowl selection. 1 Bellevue back into 3A state semifinals: 4 observations Did The Truth Even Matter: The Real Bellevue Football Story (Did The He is now on administrative leave while this is adjudicated.". Thiel said the complaints have been leveled at the Bellevue High School football program for years, but the scandal erupted after an investigation by the Seattle Times last year. A committee of athletic directors from KingCo cited in its report a preponderance of evidence that violations had occurred. Until 1968, Washington state allowed restrictive housing covenants. Freemans parents, Yusef and Allona, wrote in a letter this week to the school district that their son lived in the Bellevue attendance area. The ref denied any use of racial slurs during the game. As crime increases, our safety measures must too, GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund. 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 . This booster club raised more than $427,000 in 2013 according to the Seattle Times investigation. An investigation into the allegations by the Dallas Morning News led to the school investigating the claims as well. Im typical Bellevue fashion, the JV Wolverines matched Bothells two big plays with long, methodical drives and stifling defense. 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. For more high school stories, stats and videos, visit http://usatodayhss.com. Ban Goncharoff from coaching football in Washington for life. HOME 5-1 AWAY 4-1 NEUTRAL 0-1. Ask yourself these questions while you scan the details: Where in the name of all that is right were the parents? Top-ranked Bellevue defeated Marysville Pilchuck, 27-3, in the 3A state football semifinals on Nov. 27 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. 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. Part of Darien Freemans account, however, is corroborated by documents reviewed by the Seattle Times. Bellevue's head coach and athletic director be fired immediately 2. PF 497 PA 185 STREAK 1L. The most successful and the private schools are usually those that get accused. Goncharoff built Bellevue into a football dynasty. 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. There are no legitimate answers to those questions. 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. Arguably one of the best high school teams ever fielded in Texas, the 1988 Dallas Carter Cowboys were loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. More of the money went to pay for school; the kind with no real academics. 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. The Real Story of The 1988 Carter High Football Team We depend on members for more than half of our financial support. Per a statement, athletic director Jim Hicks said. How did parents move into a new apartment and never pay a dime of rent and never ask how that came to be? This isnt just about high school sports. Due to state-wide ref shortages, the Wolverines trip to the jungle at Mercer Island High School was moved from Friday night to Thursday. A native of Southern California, now living in North Carolina, he has been working in broadcast, print and digital media for nearly 30 years. Bellevue High School cancels rest of football season due to 'limited Later, when the family lived in SeaTac, he said, his mother would drop him off at a bus stop in Renton to commute. (Image courtesy Bellevue Wolverines Facebook), (Image courtesy Bellevue Wolverines Facebook). 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. Following the string of robberies, six players were sentenced to prison with terms ranging from two to 25 years. On Thursday, the Bellevue High School self-imposed sanctions on its football program and head coach for violations of WIAA rules. Bellevue High is an extremely successful football program. 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. Thanks to state-wide referee shortages, the Wolverines had to reschedule their weekly Friday night appointment to Saturday. Sat Nov 26 L . The scandal rocked the affluent community and brought awareness to steroid use by teens. Earlier this year, one family complained that an assistant coach threatened to revoke their sons financial aid at Academic Institute if the student didnt continue playing football at Bellevue. Amazing game and ending for Bellevue Wolverines, 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. An investigation released Tuesday revealed significant and long-standing violations by the Bellevue High School football program. This will essentially kill the football program. Final score: Wolverines 53, Panthers 12. What sanction to impose if they will not resign in disgrace? When I saw the David Horsey cartoon, light rail ambassadors inviting a fentanyl-smoking passenger to leave, I lost it, says a listener. (Image courtesy Bellevue Wolverines Facebook) 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. Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can 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. 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. 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.