MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Investigation finds boosters paid Bellevue football player’s tuition, coaches coordinated payments

Apr 14, 2016, 4:13 PM | Updated: 4:39 pm

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An independent investigation found a series of violations on the Bellevue High School football program. (AP)

(AP)

The powerhouse Bellevue High School football team has some very serious questions to tackle after a fact-finding probe found multiple violations in the program.

A news release from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association says an independent investigation found a series of potential violations during a six-month review of the program.

Related: Bellevue High School’s football program has ‘gone too far’

According to the release, the fact-finding examination looked at five allegations as requested by the Bellevue School District in August 2015. The results:

-Coaches directed athletes to attend the Academic Institute

-Boosters paid for tuition of athletes at the Academic Institute

-False addresses for athletes were utilized to gain eligibility

-Coaches coordinated tuition payments for athletes

The release says there was not sufficient information to support the fifth allegation that athletes received subsidized housing to gain eligibility. The report also details additional areas of concern that arose during the course of the fact-finding.

More from the release:

The Bellevue School District is committed to a thorough review and a timely response to all information included in the fact-finding report. Per WIAA process, Bellevue High School will report on the findings to the KingCo League.

“Our mission is to ensure that all students in the state are competing on a fair and level playing field,” said WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese. “The Association provides structure and process for schools and districts to ensure there is accountability.”

Due to the ongoing process of review, the WIAA and the Bellevue School District will not provide additional comments or statements at this time.

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Investigation finds boosters paid Bellevue football player’s tuition, coaches coordinated payments