Introduction to the Controversy
An attorney representing fired Bishop Montgomery High coach Ed Hodgkiss says in a statement his preliminary investigation indicates that an unidentified school official and others were trying “to create a team that could compete” with powers Mater Dei and St. John Bosco.
“The way it appears they were attempting to accomplish this was to deploy the ‘If you can’t beat them join them’ strategy. And so, they did,” according to a statement from attorney Darren M. Richie, who represents Hodgkiss.
Background on the Firing of Coach Hodgkiss
Hodgkiss had been a football coach and physical education teacher at Bishop Montgomery for 15 years until he was fired last week. He also served as co-athletic director. Five Bishop Montgomery football players who were transfer students were declared ineligible by the Southern Section for violating CIF bylaw 202, which involves providing false information. Bishop Montgomery has 24 transfer students this year, and a booster who said he had paid parents to move their sons to Narbonne confirmed he also was helping Bishop Montgomery.
Consequences of the Violations
Earlier this week, Bishop Montgomery announced it was forfeiting its remaining football games after self-reporting violations to the Southern Section. This decision comes as a result of the investigation into the school’s recruitment practices and the eligibility of its transfer students.
Attorney’s Statement and Defense
The attorney, who also will be representing some of the ineligible players, said in the statement, “From all I have reviewed and independently verified, each and every transfer possesses legitimate documentation because they indeed physically moved. … For anyone that follows high school football, their move was not athletically motivated. Those know that generally their football program was not mentioned in the same breath as top of the heap.” This statement suggests that the transfers were legitimate and not solely for athletic purposes, contradicting the findings of the Southern Section.
Response from the Southern Section
The Southern Section declined comment, saying the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has an ongoing investigation. This indicates that the matter is still under review and that more information may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.
Additional Developments
In another development, Bishop Montgomery principal Michele Starkey has resigned as president of the Camino-Del Rey Athletic Assn. This move may be related to the ongoing controversy surrounding the school’s football program and the allegations of recruitment violations.
Conclusion
The firing of Coach Hodgkiss and the controversy surrounding Bishop Montgomery’s football program have significant implications for the school, its athletes, and the wider community. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what consequences may arise from the alleged violations. The attorney’s statement defending the legitimacy of the transfers adds another layer of complexity to the case, highlighting the need for a thorough and fair investigation.
FAQs
- Q: Why was Coach Hodgkiss fired from Bishop Montgomery High?
A: Coach Hodgkiss was fired amid an investigation into the school’s football program, specifically regarding the eligibility of transfer students and potential recruitment violations. - Q: What is CIF bylaw 202, and how does it relate to the case?
A: CIF bylaw 202 involves providing false information, which is at the center of the allegations against Bishop Montgomery. Five transfer students were declared ineligible for violating this bylaw. - Q: What actions has Bishop Montgomery taken in response to the allegations?
A: The school has forfeited its remaining football games and self-reported violations to the Southern Section, indicating an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a willingness to cooperate with the investigation. - Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has an ongoing investigation into the matter, and the Southern Section has declined to comment further, awaiting the outcome of this investigation.
