bellevue high school football scandal

Here is a selection of the. However, the school often had no teachers in the classrooms; little, if any homework was ever given, and the players received full class credit. 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. 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. "That report will be forwarded to the WIAA, which will adjudicate the punishments and will allow Bellevue High School a chance to appeal.". Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. It should not be about winning at all costs to include cheating by parents. 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. John Connors told supporters over the weekend that litigation may be necessary to protect the program, Seattle Times story detailed how numerous Bellevue players had taken classes at The Academic Institute, a private alternative school. Final score: Wolverines 53, Panthers 12. 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. Supporters of the Bellevue football program have shared the letter on social media. Courtesy of Stephanie Ault Justus. Goncharoff has argued that the decision to fire him was based on improperly applied policies. During one of the meetings with the Times, Freeman said he no longer had a relationship with his father. A video of Bellevue East High School's 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. Im typical Bellevue fashion, the JV Wolverines matched Bothells two big plays with long, methodical drives and stifling defense. School district leaders initially sought to have the booster club answer questions about its relationship with Academic Institute. Usain Bolt defeats Justin Gatlin, defends 100-meter title. 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. 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. Yes, they broke the rules to get them on the team. 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. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory He played for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins and was a five time Pro Bowl selection. There are no legitimate answers to those questions. It should be a Homecoming to remember! This fake news reporting in the media hammered down on the program until the program was literally ripped apart at the seams. BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Bellevue High School football coach Butch Goncharoff told the school board Tuesday that an investigation of the football . The following Monday, the Bellevue JV had their first home game of the season, hosting Juanita. An investigation into the allegations by the Dallas Morning News led to the school investigating the claims as well. 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? 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. 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. "This issue with Bellevue has been around for many years. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. And I think the only thing that can be a positive is major reformation. It's the entire structure that needs reform and a lot of attention. We love the playoffs, Coach Kneip said postgame, this is the best time of the year, and were ready to get after it!. In 2003 Thiel wrote the definitive book about the Seattle Mariners, Out of Left Field, which became a regional bestseller. Updated: 7:13 PM PDT July 8, 2016. Bellevue football players worked hard thats how they won. HOME 5-1 AWAY 4-1 NEUTRAL 0-1. Senior running back William Wang rushed for 243 yards and two touchdowns to lead Bellevue to a 3A state championship win over Kennewick on Saturday afternoon at Sparks Stadium. Boosters have been barred from affiliating with the program. 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. Their punishment is that they will never be remembered well. 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. Therevelation is not a product of bias or envy. It was a back and forth affair from the beginning that saw the Wolverines take a 21-17 lead into the locker room at halftime. "Goncharoff, the booster club at Bellevue, and many people objected said 'No, this is all inaccurate. Have no fear, Bellevue Faithful, the East Channel Bridge rivalry is very much alive. 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 . The Times uncovered 17 instances. After the game, Coach Kneip said, Our job is to put our kids in the best position to win a state championship, and that means challenging ourselves against the best opponents we can possibly find for our non-conference games.. The Seattle [] 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, Wash. -- Bellevue School District officials and booster club members are fighting back against a blistering report that alleged recruitment violations within the Bellevue High. For more high school stories, stats and videos, visit http://usatodayhss.com. Jones began coaching at . That would be a likely violation of rules that generally require student-athletes to live within a schools attendance boundary. 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. 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. 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.' Brick by brick!. Now we need to do it again! We love to see the kids have fun and play ball. BHS cheated its own eligible students of playing. 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 . Jones has filed an unfair-labor-practices complaint with the Public Employment Relations Commission. The Academic Institute existed in a strip mall not far from Bellevue High. But Notre Dame-bound RB Jayden Limar led a second half comeback, eventually closing the game out 37-28. "The schools want it that way. This decision is unfair to the players who are the heart and soul of this program. The Bellevue booster club in a statement early Tuesday expressed disappointment with the sanctions. Recent newspaper headlines should bring the immediate firing of Butch Goncharoff, Bellevue High School football coach. "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. But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. Now we have to keep the focus going next week for playoffs.. And the idea that you need to move from wherever you live Carnation, Concrete, etc. 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. But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. What sanction to impose if they will not resign in disgrace? 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. If our society didnt place such a level of importance on winning at all costs, this type of thing wouldnt happen. On the shoulders of some hard running by junior Carson Rubin and sophomore Ryken Moon, a long reception by senior Ishaan Daniels, and a heaping helping of stingy defense, Bellevue took a 47-7 lead to the locker room at half time. Coach Salonen said, We feel incredibly lucky to have the numbers to support a JV program this year, we love seeing the additional reps these players are getting, and the improvement that comes with those reps.. The Wolverines got off to their usual fast start, with a whopping three rushing touchdowns from Ishaan Daniels, another from Carson Rubin, and a passing TD from Lucas Razore to Hogan Hansen. And a large percentage of those kids were athletes," Thiel said. The Bellevue High School football cheating scandal is American Greed at it worst! 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 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. 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. Among those, Freeman said Goncharoff directed him to attend the Academic Institute instead of studying at Bellevue. 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. 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. A native of Southern California, now living in North Carolina, he has been working in broadcast, print and digital media for nearly 30 years. You cheat, you steal, you lie. Court records from an eviction case also show a Yusef Freeman was renting an apartment in Sammamish in 2009. Bellevue High School football is banned from postseason play for two years. KingCo left the question of whether Bellevue should forfeit state titles up to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). 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. Make it hurt. Bellevue's head coach and athletic director be fired immediately 2. Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation. 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. 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. 5. Mercer Island Football Booster Club President, 1988-89. An Auburn woman has won the $754.6 million Powerball jackpot. The startup funding should be part of the investigation. Other families allegedly acquired apartments within the schools boundaries, with the rent being paid by boosters. 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. 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 . Then, on Monday, the JV took the field north of the lake, against the Bothell Cougars. Hopefully something like that will come out of this mess.". 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. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory The Wolverines will face Snohomish High School, at home this Friday, in the Week 10 Crossover round. On November 10, the UIL shocked Dallas Carter and the entire state when they announced the Cowboys were ineligible for the playoffs. For a paltry $1,750 tuition per month, these student athletes supposedly got academic help. We hear stories about competing schools. Touchdowns from Sharp, Jones, Reed, and freshman Trevin King kept the Bellevue offense on top, for a 49-22 win. In its report to KingCo, the Bellevue School District acknowledged several violations of rules while disputing other aspects of the independent investigation. The Bellevue High School football team is one victory away from the ultimate return to glory. Thiel said Goncharoff has been quite vocal about his innocence. The Wolverines will look to build on their learning from week 1 and 2 as they start KingCo 3A conference play against Liberty High School this Friday. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. The NFL is the big example. 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. 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. One family complained their son was told his scholarship at the Institute would be revoked if he stopped playing football at Bellevue. We will continue to defend our right, and the right of booster clubs around the state, to make these activities available to kids.. 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.. The donors and contributors to this school should be identified. November 4, 2022. On the eve of a Halloween weekend, the Bellevue faithful showed up in droves (and costumes) to celebrate another fantastic class of Bellevue High seniors. 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 KingCo officials saw Bellevues problems as requiring more severe sanctions. 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. 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. The Bellevue High (Seattle) football team is reportedly aided through a "diploma mill" private school, according to an investigation by The Seattle Times . Teaching young impressionable minds to cheat is criminal! I have been watching professional and college sports for more than 40 years, and have been covering college football for Last Word on Sports for two years. 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. 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). At the crux of the scandal is a well to-do family that made their money in the trash/waste management industry. More of the money went to pay for school; the kind with no real academics. "They said four years of probation for the entire athletic department, a four-year ban for football on postseason play, and also non-conference play, as well as inviting any out-of-state opponents to play Bellevue High School. Unfazed by the less than hospitable conditions, the Wolverine ground game got to work against a stout Panther defense. 9-0 on the season, BACK ON TRACK! "The Bellevue High School football cheating scandal is 'American Greed' at it worst.". 1. After the Seattle Times story was published on Sunday, a distraught Darien Freeman called a Times reporter, saying hed just spoken with Goncharoff. Bellevue H.S. Adults knew this was going on for years. I am also the father of a high school varsity athlete. KNKX Public Radio | Once you address these issues, thenlets talk about a level playing field.. According to the findings, 17 players were funneled to a for-profit private school for extra classes and academic help. Rescind the championship titles, and ban the team from any post-season playoffs for five years. A high school state football championship in Texas is arguably about more than just temporary bragging rights. 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. 2023 Bonneville International. 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. 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. There's just too much 'go along, get along' over the years. 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. Who do these kids think they are? What makes them think they are so deserving? You know what? The players were ejected from the game, suspended and an investigation launched. 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. There are a lot of reasons why he thinks the rules were wrongly interpreted by the investigators. They say proposed project will negatively impact Minidoka internment camp site. 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. OVERALL 9-3 0.75 Win % DISTRICT 6-0 1st3A KingCo. As crime increases, our safety measures must too, GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund. Part of Darien Freemans account, however, is corroborated by documents reviewed by the Seattle Times. Players attend the school for academics but are allowed to play football at Bellevue if they live in the proper district. Theyre going to find you. Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help! Its no surprise that we tend to have a lot of conversations about entitled young athletes. 56-0 win over Juanita! "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. The scandal rocked the affluent community and brought awareness to steroid use by teens. Of the 24-23 loss, Coach Kneip said, Theyre a really, really well-coached, high quality program. 5 Marysville-Pilchuck on Saturday in the early game of the Class 3A semifinal doubleheader at Memorial Stadium. Fire and fine all involved. 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. Bellevue High School Football Share this Team > Regular Season . Stamford had little trouble in the playoffs with wins over Quanah (43-13), Cisco (32-22), Denver City (14-0) and Olney (15-7). Like many expectant mothers, Miranda Kekauoha had a plan. 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. 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.' On BHSs ensuing possession, junior QB Lucas Razore found Ishaan Daniels in the flat, and Daniels scampered 30 yards for the Bellevue score. Agreed with Bellevues conclusions that athletes used false addresses to gain eligibility, and that payments were made to coaches without approval from the school district. An interception by Caymus Rooney sealed the first half, 34-7 in favor of Bellevue. I think that theres a lot of different layers to understanding exactly what is going on., Related: Teen football player tackles suspected shoplifter. 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. 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. Amazing game and ending for Bellevue Wolverines, 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. 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. Come one, come all! Head coach Butch Goncharoff has been fired. Any booster associated with this mess be banned from any financial or booster club membership for two years. 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. Dinner and dancing may have been the order of the day on Saturday, but on Friday night, Wolverine students packed the stands to see the Bellevue High football team demolish their crosstown rival Newport Knights.

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