JEFFERSONVILLE, IN (WAVE) - Three Jeffersonville high school football players have been suspended from the team because of grades and academic performance.
Their coach has also been suspended for the first game. The infraction happened at Jeffersonville High School during a red and white scrimmage on August 10. It was a scrimmage game the team would usually play, except some of the players were not supposed to take part.
"Three ineligible football players did play in a scrimmage game at Jeffersonville High School," Greater Clark County Schools spokesperson, Erin Bojorquez said.
Two actually played, one was dressed in uniform and did not play.
"The players were deemed ineligible due to academic performance," Bojorquez said.
Athletic Director, Lisa Stemler, said students must pass five of seven classes with a "C" average or higher to play. Stemler said an academic adviser checks grades weekly. Grades were checked as late as last week. Coach Lonnie Oldham is now facing disciplinary action for playing three academic ineligible players.
"Coach Lonnie Oldham will be suspended for tomorrow's football game," Bojorquez said.
Tasha Moorman, of Jeffersonville, has a child that attends Jeffersonville High School.
"My daughter's also an athlete and they're usually on top of those things," Moorman said. "So, for that to happen here, it's really a surprise."
Stemler said as soon as the infraction was discovered, she immediately reported to the Indiana High School Athletic Association. On Wednesday, Commissioner Bobby Cox sent a letter to the school issuing a warning. As well as suspending the involved students from the team and declaring them ineligible until they meet the minimum standards for eligibility. The letter also commends the school administration for its reporting and handling of the matter.
"I just hope that the students are able to get their grades up go ahead and get going," Moorman said.
According to Stemler, this is not the first violation for the school. In 2011, a football coach had contact with players during a "dead week" summer fundraiser. Also, the superintendent is conducting an active investigation."
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