2004 Ky. forfeit info.
Since the KHSAA and Fort Thomas Highlands' Michael Mitchell battled over his eligibility
for over a year, it gets a page by itself. Here's a synopsis :
In January, 2004, the Mitchell family "moved" during Michael's Jr. year.
But was it for athletic purposes???
The underlying question : is a leased apartment, and another son taking over the previous
residence, a "bona fide" move?
The KHSAA says transfers must sit out a year, but they have occasionally waived that rule.
The waiver AND an appeal were denied before the end of the 2004 school year (even though the
KHSAA rep. assigned to review the case recommended a waiver be granted).
The family took the matter to court where the judge issued a temp. injunction in August,
making him "eligible" for football in 2004, while the KHSAA appealed.
Mitchell scores both TD's in a 15-10 semi-final win over Bell Co. on Thanksgiving weekend.
The following Monday, the KHSAA wins their appeal of the August "eligible" ruling.
Bell County enters the mix, asking the KHSAA for 1 of 3 things :
1.) they be declared the winner of the state semi-final game by forfeit, OR
2.) the semi-final be replayed without Mitchell, OR
3.) the state finals be postponed.
The KHSAA turns down the Bell County requests.
A Mitchell injunction was granted about 24 hours before the finals, but the KHSAA had it
overturned within a few hours.
An ineligible Mitchell watches from the stands (with Highlands alum Jared Lorenzen) as
his team wins the state title.
A court appeal to allow him to play Spring sports was granted in March, 2005.
An April 15th article in Louisville's
Courier-Journal says AAA state champ (Fort Thomas) Highlands had to forfeit a dozen of
their wins for using an ineligible player (Mitchell) - their record goes from 14-1 to 2-13.
(The title, won without Mitchell, is untouchable). The KHSAAA also fined the school, placed
them on "probation" and "suspended" the coach for the first 4 contests of 2005.
A now-fearful Highlands won't let Mitchell on the track team.
My comments :
Similar to what happened with Magna Vista a couple of years back... it was a no-win
situation. Play the kid and risk forfeits and sanctions or sit the kid then find out
he could have played (and risk a lawsuit from the parents).
KHSAA by-laws allow for judical rulings. Highlands complied with each ruling issued
in the case between the KHSAA and the parents, yet the KHSAA imposed sanctions on the
school for doing so. Just like the VHSL, their transfer rules are not air-tight.
The message boards were full in the Spring. Was the KHSAA in contempt of court for
imposing penalties on the school and the coach for doing what they were allowed to do?
Or should the school have waited until the entire appeals process ran out?
The KHSAA and the courts allowed this to drag out for OVER A YEAR and it's still not settled.
Here's a bunch of newspaper stories from last December:
From the Lexington Herald-Leader :
Thursday ,
Saturday ,
the game ,
comments.
From the Cincinnati Post :
Thursday ,
Friday ,
prep ,
preview ,
Saturday ,
area notes ,
the game ,
comments ,
ruling ,
comment.
From the Cincinnati Enquirer
Thursday ,
Friday 1 ,
Friday 2 ,
Saturday ,
game ,
Sunday ,
Tuesday.
Spring / Summer stories :
Mitchell kept off track
Highlands not in contempt
June appeal delayed -
,
,
,
,
,