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. Ban Goncharoff from coaching football in Washington for life. 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. 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. Theyre going to find you. It's finally come to a head. With their sights set on a state championship run, the Cowboys began preparing for the playoffs. Video Highlights of State Championship New coaching staff of young alumni lead Bellevue back to state football championship glory Yesterday Kendall Alston, age 31, was sentenced in federal court to five years for selling fentanyl pills in downtown Seattle. Some prominent college football players are named in the report as having been cycled through The Academic Institute. 710 ESPN Seattles Danny ONeil thinks the parents are misguided. Players attend the school for academics but are allowed to play football at Bellevue if they live in the proper district. Bellevue High School offered a Physical Education program (football) not offered by this sham institution. You cheat, you steal, you lie. Head coach Butch Goncharoff has been fired. Records reviewed by the Seattle Times, however, show that Freemans father has had a home address in Auburn. These efforts were and are fully within the rules., The boosters vowed to continue to fight. The Bellevue High School football team is one victory away from the ultimate return to glory. At a Tuesday news conference, Bellevue Superintendent Tim Mills said the report contains information that requires immediate action, but the district has not saidwhat that action will be. 1 Bellevue back into 3A state semifinals: 4 observations 9-0 on the season, BACK ON TRACK! 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. But, after a brief email exchange, they let it drop. What sanction to impose if they will not resign in disgrace? Brick by brick!. 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. They say proposed project will negatively impact Minidoka internment camp site. As crime increases, our safety measures must too, GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund. We love to see the kids have fun and play ball. Until 1968, Washington state allowed restrictive housing covenants. The western-themed student section brought the energy all night, and the Wolverines did not disappoint. It taught them how to succeed and prepared them for the future. 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. It should be a Homecoming to remember! 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. You depend on KNKX for trusted, in-depth local news, music by knowledgeable hosts and enlightening NPR programs. 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. With the pregame pageantry and TV interviews done, the Wolverines got to work making the Big Game a big blowout. The train wreck at Bellevue may be symbolic of much that is wrong with high school and college athletics and the creation of the entitled teenager and the grotesque flow of money into amateur sports. (Image courtesy Bellevue Wolverines Facebook) Often it would be well past dark by the time he returned home. However, the school often had no teachers in the classrooms; little, if any homework was ever given, and the players received full class credit. 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. An investigation released Tuesday revealed significant and long-standing violations by the Bellevue High School football program. And because it's now going to be subject to many lawsuits, there's going to be huge pressure and there should be huge pressure to reform the entire structure of state high school sports. 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. And oh, by the way, how is it fair that a public school has limits on the geographic locations of its players homes,but private schools players can live anywhere? 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. Final score: Wolverines 53, Panthers 12. Part of Darien Freemans account, however, is corroborated by documents reviewed by the Seattle Times. An interception by Caymus Rooney sealed the first half, 34-7 in favor of Bellevue. That probe confirmed some of the problems that The Times found and also detailed other issues, including families that had used false addresses to gain eligibility, a school district that had obstructed the investigation and evidence that Goncharoff had been paid beyond the bounds of WIAA rules. Bellevue junior Cal Zimmerman (#8) scores a touchdown as Snohomish seniors Miles Lamb (#8) and Easton Leonard (#24) attempt to tackle. "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.". The Wolverines found paydirt early and often, ending the first quarter with a 280 lead, eventually taking a 35-0 lead to half. 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. Voted as the KING 5 Sports Big Game of the Week, the 4-2 Wolverines once again headed north on 405 for a KingCo 3A showdown, this time with the 4-1 Lake Washington Kangs. "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. Bellevue school officials have previously told Bellevue head coach Butch Goncharoff that the district will seek to terminate him for violations of district policies. 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. An Auburn woman has won the $754.6 million Powerball jackpot. According to the findings, 17 players were funneled to a for-profit private school for extra classes and academic help. In the second half, Bellevue let their young guns get a taste of the MI rivalry under the big lights, and played out the remainder of the game under a running clock. Then, on Monday, the JV took the field north of the lake, against the Bothell Cougars. It's the entire structure that needs reform and a lot of attention. Bellevue High is an extremely successful football program. Unfazed by the less than hospitable conditions, the Wolverine ground game got to work against a stout Panther defense. "And if you can wiggle around with all of these variances in the rules, then they've got a real problem.". 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. Discretely paid for by the booster club. 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. The following Monday, the Bellevue JV had their first home game of the season, hosting Juanita. Probation: Bellevue athletic department is on probation for four years. The Wolverines will look to keep extend their conference win streak next week, at home, against the Knights of Newport. BHS cheated its own eligible students of playing. Staff reporter Mike Baker contributed to this report. Freemans parents, Yusef and Allona, wrote in a letter this week to the school district that their son lived in the Bellevue attendance area. After their work in the back half of the Friday night game, the Bellevue JV made the Monday drive to the Sammamish Plateau, to face off against KingCo 4A opponent Eastlake Wolves. This is another example of the incredibly flawed process that has been guiding this investigation for months. Team supporters have battled the Bellevue School Districts decisions. Our guys played pretty well, its just about getting better., Then, on Monday, the LW JV made the opposite trip, visiting BHS. June 29, 2022 Posted in&nbspkawasaki monster energy jersey. No, its not something we want to teach our kids as the right thing to do, he 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 can appeal for that sanction to be reduced one year early. 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.' 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 . 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. 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. 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. During that conversation on Sunday, Freeman reaffirmed the other aspects of his account. Yes, the Catholic schools do recruit, but they are not funded through public money. 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. 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. If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences in relation to this story, please email the reporter or. Tony has been with Last Word on Sports for six years covering college football around the country. Bellevue Independent Schools announced it has canceled the rest of its high school's football season due to multiple injuries on the team. Students at a private school without a football team can play for a public-school team in their home district. The Colleyville Heritage Steroid Scandal. In their opening possession, Carson Rubin zigged and zagged, dicing the defense with a 29-yard touchdown run. Many would perhaps have fallen through the cracks had it not been for the help they received when it was obvious to coaches they needed a little boost. "He's still a vital part of the picture. 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. If our society didnt place such a level of importance on winning at all costs, this type of thing wouldnt happen. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. Go re-read this story, and you will have your answers. That loss was an eye-opener, as Bellevue dominated in every aspect of the game against our team. In its report to KingCo, the Bellevue School District acknowledged several violations of rules while disputing other aspects of the independent investigation. His older brother became vice president of the teams booster club. The most successful and the private schools are usually those that get accused. 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. Bellevue High School Football Share this Team > Regular Season . Senior William Wang piled up 182 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 32 carries, and the Bellevue defense was tough as the top-seeded Wolverines laid a 27-3 licking on No. Bellevue High School football is banned from postseason play for two years. 5 Marysville-Pilchuck on Saturday in the early game of the Class 3A semifinal doubleheader at Memorial Stadium. It feels quaint to sit back and watch an old rerun of Friday Night Lights and see some rally girl doing Tim Riggins homework, or a star player finding a mysterious envelope with cash in it. Jones began coaching at . Which spelled out who could live in certain neighborhoods. Art Thiel is a co-founder and writer for the rising sports website Sportspress Northwest. 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. On BHSs ensuing possession, junior QB Lucas Razore found Ishaan Daniels in the flat, and Daniels scampered 30 yards for the Bellevue score. 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. Rescind the championship titles, and ban the team from any post-season playoffs for five years. 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. WA State 3A Champs '83, '01, '02, '03, '04, '06, '08, '09, '10, '11, '12,. Among those, Freeman said Goncharoff directed him to attend the Academic Institute instead of studying at Bellevue. 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. Mercer Island Football Booster Club President, 1988-89. At least 17 Bellevue football players attended the program over the past seven years, the Seattle Times has learned. I am also the father of a high school varsity athlete. Carter High . Edwards was sentenced to 16 years and never played another down of football. 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. The win marks a return to the top for a former state juggernaut that won eight state championships from 2001 to 2011. They happen to go to a private school that doesnt offer a (football) program.. 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. To deny them the ability to compete with their peers is wrong and goes against every principle of youth sports.. 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. There are no legitimate answers to those questions. Darien Freeman has not returned multiple messages left for him last week. 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. ', "The Bellevue School District said only one charge was valid and that was the compensation to Goncharoff, and so they recommended his firing. Varsity takes the field this Saturday (10/8) at Juanita, at 7pm, while the JV will face Juanita at home the following Monday. Court records from an eviction case also show a Yusef Freeman was renting an apartment in Sammamish in 2009. The Times uncovered 17 instances. At the crux of the scandal is a well to-do family that made their money in the trash/waste management industry. This is a public high school and a strong message needs to be sent that this type of practice cannot be tolerated. But many of those accomplishments are in jeopardy, because of a scandal that has now reached the punishment stage. After the half, the BHS offense really got rolling, including a 44-yard TD run from junior Blake Teets, a 24-yard TD run from sophomore Ryken Moon, and a screen pass from Razore that junior Cal Zimmerman took 21 yards to pay dirt. "The report then went to a panel of KingCo Conference athletic directors. 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 . 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. November 4, 2022. Blame needs to fall primarily on Bellevue High School. While parents arent specifically mentioned in these allegations, ONeil says they would most certainly be involved in these violations and are also culpable. In 1959, Stamford defeated Brady 19-14 in the state championship. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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. 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. I think the system is prone to corruption. 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. 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. He's not going quietly. KingCo left the question of whether Bellevue should forfeit state titles up to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA).