CHANDLER, Ariz. — Editor's Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast.
Chandler's Hamilton High School's powerhouse football team was placed on probation Monday for a recruiting violation, according to the Arizona Interscholastic Association.
AIA officials say the Huskies are not eligible for postseason play in 2022 and shall not receive any award for achievement in that sport.
The probation stems from direct messages sent on Twitter in early July from Defensive Coordinator Tim Dougherty to a player at Cesar Chavez High School.
Hamilton has already suspended Dougherty for the first three games of the season.
Officials said the team can appeal the decision within 10 days to the Executive Board.
“Probation is a rare consequence that is not an easy decision for this board to make. But Hamilton has the ability to appeal this decision,” said Jim Dean, interim Superintendent for the Dysart Unified School District and Executive Board President.
The Chandler Unified School District released the following statement Monday afternoon.
"Today the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Executive Board decided to put Hamilton High School on probation making the football team ineligible for the postseason. This decision comes in response to the school reporting to the AIA Executive Board recruiting violations by one of the team’s coaches. Prior to today’s decision, CUSD suspended the coach for three games; however, even after the district and school took corrective action and reported the issue, the AIA Executive Board made a decision that we feel directly impacts students and the team.
We are disappointed in today’s outcome; however, we are in the process of determining next steps including a possible appeal. We have also already taken steps to prevent this from happening in the future through additional training to ensure all our athletic coaches understand the district’s expectations related to communicating with student athletes."
Our focus now is on trying to make the season a positive experience for all students. As we move forward, please continue to respect the impact this decision has on the team and school.
Hamilton football was #1 in the State for a few weeks last season. They lost in the Semi-Finals of the Open Championship to the eventually State Champs Saguaro High School.
In March of this year, former educators and administrators from the school were reprimanded by state officials after an investigation in 2017 uncovered alleged acts of sexual assault taking place in the school's locker room.
Statement from Principal Mike De La Torre:
"We are disappointed in today’s outcome; however, we are in the process of determining next steps including a possible appeal. We have also already taken steps to prevent this from happening in the future through additional training to ensure all our athletic coaches understand the district’s expectations related to communicating with student athletes.
Our focus now is on trying to make the season a positive experience for all students. As we move forward, please continue to respect the impact this decision has on the team and school."
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