Fallout from athletic eligibility controversy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- This is one of the most frequently asked questions viewers have on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools eligibility issue: Why are schools apparently treated differently for what seems to be the same rules violations?

CMS Superintendent Peter Gorman stressed Tuesday that the key part of West Charlotte’s situation is the involvement of staff members who helped student athletes deceive CMS officials by using fake addresses.

Gorman said, “Helping a student to obtain a false address violates local and state rules regarding athletic eligibility. It also violates CMS personnel policies and regulations. Employees who violate these rules are subject to disciplinary action from CMS."

West Charlotte coach Maurice Flowers had already given his resignation and two more West Charlotte football coaches were suspended for their part in the Lions’ use of ineligible football players.

All of the eligibility questions for CMS started with South Meck. The Sabres were preparing to board the team bus for their first playoff game in 14 years when word came down that they had used an ineligible player and would have to forfeit their season.

The player in question had been cleared to play by school officials who made an honest mistake about the difference between athletic eligibility and the ability to enroll as a student. The player and his family thought all the proper paperwork had been filed, but it hadn’t.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association ordered South Meck’s season forfeited. Again, staff involvement, however well intentioned, was a big key in that ruling.

So what about Independence? That situation has been different, at least up until now. The Patriots did use ineligible players in 2007, but so far, no staff involved with that high school has been found to have been involved in any deception.

Time and again CMS officials have stated they don’t have the resources to check every player’s eligibility, and say rules clearly state that if the players act on their own to deceive officials about their resident status, the player is removed and the school itself is not punished.

It’s important to note that the Independence investigation is ongoing. For now, the Patriots’ 13 wins on the field stand.