Independence's football operations to be probed

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Peter Gorman wants a closer look at how one of the strongest football programs in the state operates.

"What we are doing at Independence High School is an investigation into the eligibility process involving issues with (the) football team last year,” said Gorman.

Of the 10 ineligible players found throughout CMS last season, four were from Independence. Last fall, the focus was on individual student situations.

“Now I want to look at it in totality to see if there's any theme, see if there's anything common and dig a little deeper with that,” Gorman added.

Gorman asked an independent law firm to head up the new investigation. CMS has not uncovered anything new that prompted this.

"The final goal is to make sure we are following the proper rules at the school and that our students are eligible and that we are following the eligibility rules,” he added.

Gorman made the announcement as a citizen advisory committee got the ball rolling on the big picture of ineligibility problems.

A student-athlete parent from Independence was at the meeting to make sure the process is fair.

"It was a huge issue and I think a lot of people were misled by information they were getting,” said Anthony Carrothers. “A lot of people assumed that people were cheating and doing things wrong and they were not."

The new investigation at Independence is not directed at school officials.

As for the citizen committee, it will meet once a month and give recommendations about the district's eligibility policies in May.