Myers Park HS to forfeit its 2021 football games due to player ineligibility, principal says

CHARLOTTE — Myers Park High School is forfeiting its 2021 varsity football games and paying a $250 fine due to fraudulent documents used for school enrollment and athlete eligibility, the school’s principal stated in a letter to parents.

The school was made aware of the issue in January, according to the letter obtained by Channel 9.

Sources said the investigation started when some players were called into a parent meeting and school leaders found out their parents didn’t actually live in the school zone.

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MPHS investigated itself and then reported the findings to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, the letter stated.

The association ruled that MPHS was in violation of an “ineligible player-residence requirement.” The principal’s letter did not specify how many players were involved.

The high school appealed the ruling, stating enrollment and athletic eligibility were not evident until it was reported in January.

The NCHSSAA upheld the ruling.

MPHS must return $6,700 the school earned from its playoff games in addition to the fine.

The high school football team finished 8-4 last season.

“I don’t think it’s fair for those kids that have worked hard, came to the practices and gave their all to the team,” parent Zeritta Mobley said.

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Myers Park had several players from California and at least one from Texas on its roster last season. However, it’s not clear if any of the out-of-state players were involved, our partners at the Charlotte Observer reported.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have not said how many students were involved or if any employees were involved or disciplined as a result.

Full letter from MPHS principal to parents:

“My goal is to share information about our school in a timely and appropriate manner. I am sending you this message since it may be newsworthy.

“In January, Myers Park was made aware of fraudulent documents used for school enrollment and athlete eligibility for our varsity football team. Myers Park investigated these documents and in response self-reported these concerns to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

“Following an investigation, the NCHSAA commissioner ruled that MPHS was in violation for using an ineligible player-residence requirement. MPHS appealed the ruling on grounds that proof of student enrollment and athletic eligibility was found to have been falsified and was not evident until reported in January 2022.

“The NCHSAA’s Board of Directors heard Myers Park’s appeal. The NCHSAA’s Board of Directors upheld their Executive Committee’s decision and denied this appeal. In accordance with the selected procedure of the ruling, Myers Park will forfeit all 2021-2022 football games, return $6,700 earned from playoff games, and pay a $250 fine.

“It is my intention to lead with integrity and not deception. I will say the same about the athletic programs of Myers Park High School. The result of the NCHSAA ruling is disappointing for our players, coaches and certainly our Myers Park school community.

“We will maintain our integrity as a school and will always do what is ethical and fair. If you have any questions please reach out to our Athletic Director, Brian Poore or Principal, Robert Folk.”

(Watch the video below: ‘I’m just humbled’: Once denied, former Myers Park athlete honored with scholarship in his honor)

‘I’m just humbled’: Once denied, former Myers Park athlete honored with scholarship in his honor

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