High School OT.com - Terry Sanford forfeits games, playoff berth over ineligible player

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Terry Sanford forfeits games, playoff berth over ineligible player

By HighSchoolOT.com
Nov 9, 2009

Terry Sanford reported the use of an ineligible player to the N.C. High School Athletic Association on Monday, forcing them to forfeit games and disqualifying them from the 4-A state playoffs.

"Terry Sanford will forfeit football games from the regular season and thus will be ineligible to participate in the state playoffs," the NCHSAA said in a written release.

The NCHSAA Handbook indicates that a school must forfeit every game in which an ineligible player dresses, and the school will have to pay a fine.

The team was scheduled to play Pine Forest at home on Friday in the opening round of the 4-A playoffs. Terry Sanford defeated Jack Britt on Friday night in double overtime, 48-42, pushing Britt out of contention for the No. 1 seed in the 4-AA playoffs.

However, because the playoff brackets have already been set, the NCHSAA will not reseed the playoffs. Pine Forest will advance to the second round of the playoffs with a bye in the opening round. Wake Forest-Rolesville will remain the No. 1 seed in the 4-AA playoffs, while Jack Britt will remain the No. 3 seed, despite receiving a win by forfeit.

It is unclear why the player was deemed ineligible, but it could be a variety of issues from attendance, to grades, to where the athlete lives. It is also unclear how many games the team will have to forfeit.

Last Wednesday, Terry Sanford principal Diane Antolak was suspended with pay by Cumberland County Schools.

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Nick, How can you honestly say that what the way NCHSAA has ruled in this case is best way. If you know anything about football then you know how important home field advantage is in the playoffs. That one team that would get the change in home field advantage is huge. The reseeded bracket could make a big difference in the matchups. It is unfair for the NCHSAA to punish not only Terry Sanford but every other team that would have changed the matchup. Britt deserves the No. 1 seed... and I'm a triangle football fan. Nick, in your position as a reporter, you have an obligation to push for justice and what is right... How sad to see the media also take the easy way out. No matter, not only did NCHSAA lose any last thread of respect for their organization, but you lost a chance to be a proclaimer of fairness and what is right.... You, my friend have lost my respect and now... you have lost my following on this website. SHAME ON YOU....

rpace
November 10, 2009 8:28 a.m.
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this has been in the news about grades at Sanford...they claimed last week no athletes involved, but I'm willing to bet they knew then. If so, everyone with knowledge ought to be terminated immediately.

oldtimecoach
November 9, 2009 10:01 p.m.
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IF there is any justice in the NCSHAA they should reseed the brackets. Each team, each player and each fan of those schools affected should be reseeded. It would make a big difference to outcome of the playoffs. Those who should be seeded a one seed should get to be number 1. It could make a big difference to who as home field advantage, and to some kids it may mean that they can say that my team made the playoffs. It seems that the leadership at NCHSAA thinks it is okay to have all these endowment games and double the playoff field to 64 teams to pad their already fat pockets, but when the time comes to stand up and take some responsibility and earn all that money the schools send them, they take the easy way out at the expense of all the schools seeded under Terry Sanford.. .. Shame on you!!!!!!!

Our kids and fans deserve better. What is the NCSHAA teaching our kids??? When times get tough, lets take the easy way out instead of doing the RIGHT THING

rpace
November 9, 2009 9:48 p.m.
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actually Britt didnt say anything, they told on them selves!!! Stop blaming Britt for everything, {11-0} Lets go BUCS

bresen10r
November 9, 2009 9:24 p.m.
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Why didn't Charlotte Independence do the same after they were found with ineligible players?

Why punish the the players, they should fine the school etc, but keeping the kids off the field is ridiculous. (except the player in questions)

jsnichol
November 9, 2009 9:20 p.m.
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It's ridiculous to give Pine Forest an automatic bye to the 2nd round. They should just bring in the 17th seed, whoever that would have been, and let them play in Terry Sanford's spot. No need to reseed the teams. Not a perfect solution but better than an automatic bye.

starrider99
November 9, 2009 9:09 p.m.
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This happened to the Western Harnett girls varsity BB team last year. They played the whole season undefeated and then when the play-offs came around, they had 1 player who was ineligible. She had an incomplete that she had corrected but the NCHSAA never corrected it in their records. By the time they got it setteled, the play-offs were over.

Fuquay Resident
November 9, 2009 8:46 p.m.
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From the Fay Observer

http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2009/11/09/950844

gbarile44
November 9, 2009 7:23 p.m.
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I understand why it is not practical to reset the brackets at this point. With that said, this entire situation rests squarely on the heads of the responsible parties (Coach, AD, and principal) at Terry Sanford. To the NCHSAA, please fully investigate and hold them fully accountable in every way possible if they were negligent in their duties in any way. It is very unlikely that this just came to their attention today. Their actions or lack thereof have had an impact on lots of kids.

veryfrustrated1
November 9, 2009 7:09 p.m.
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I don't blame the player. If they let him play, he should play. Why miss out on high school experiences if you are allowed? I blame the principal and the coach for not paying more attention to player's academic scores. The article said the principal had been suspended. That's a good start. But when this happens, the school should be banned from participation for one year. This school should not be allowed to field a football team next season. That's the only way to put pressure on the entire school, its administrators, and its parents.

DeathRow-IFeelYourPain-NOT
November 9, 2009 6:53 p.m.
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