Miramar High School's football program has been suspended as investigators look into alleged improper benefits related to the team.
The Broward County Schools District released a statement Wednesday saying the school had self-reported "impermissible benefits." While it was unclear who was receiving the alleged benefits, Broward County Athletic Director Damian Huttenhoff said that a member or members of the program may have been receiving cash.
"Right now we have reasonable belief [the allegations] may be true," Huttenhoff said at a team meeting Wednesday.
Without mentioning a name, Huttenhoff pointed the finger at a former Patriot head coach, saying it's the district's fault.
"We hired someone who wanted to manipulate the system and violate rules and regulations," Huttenhoff said.
Initial allegations claimed the suspension was due to some players being academically ineligible to play. One player was held from a game this season after former head football coach Matt Strout said the player's transcript was "fixed" to make him eligible, according to the Sun Sentinel. Strout was forced to resign last month. Any issues with grades have since been resolved.
“We are all victims of a rogue coach today that sought out with one sole purpose, and that is to destroy the program here at Miramar,” Huttenhoff said.
Yet, the county says the team's suspension is due to monetary compensation, which has set off protests by players and their parents.
"None of these players have received any money, that's ridiculous," said one mother who did not give a name.
The Patriots, who finished as the runner-up in their district, will now be unable to participate in the state playoffs. Yet, players say they're not giving up. Many said they would still be at practice Thursday to prepare for Friday's game.
