An investigation by The School District of Lee County in For Myers, Fla., has revealed allegations of a pay-to-play scheme and unauthorized coaching within the North Fort Myers High School baseball program, raising concerns among parents and prompting administrative action.
As reported by local NBC affiliate WBBH, the investigation found text messages, photos and witness accounts suggesting that Joe Bowen, the suspended athletic director at North Fort Myers High School, was aware of a pay-to-play scheme involving the school's baseball team. The scheme allegedly included unauthorized coaches and connections to a private academy.
"I think that's an incredible risk to take with our kids. I think that it is a serious breach of trust with the parents who have entrusted their children to them," said Danielle Hagmann, a parent of a North Fort Myers High student, per the reporting of WBBH's Edward Franco.
"The district's report accuses Ben Bizier, the owner of the private academy, of influencing lineups, playing time and coaching decisions for the high school team, despite not being employed by the school," Franco reported, adding, "Bizier declined to comment when contacted.
"Former assistant coach Dan Hill told investigators that playing time was often tied to whether players paid to join the academy. According to the report, parents claimed they were asked to pay $500 to the academy to secure their children's spots on the school's team roster."
The investigation also revealed that the district could not locate required background screening records for two assistant coaches, Franco added.
"They have enough issues of their own with their own internal coaching system, without bringing in an outside person that we don't have background checks," Hagmann said.
According to the investigation, witnesses further alleged that some players lived in two Cape Coral homes managed by the academy, with one student reportedly being forced to live in a hot garage.
"We need to keep the kids that are playing at the school, playing for the school team, and not for different districts and all over the place," said Michelle Brewer, a parent of a North Fort Myers student.
Per Franco, Lee County superintendent Denise Carlin has recommended the termination of a staff member involved in the allegations.
"Leading our student athletes is a privilege, and you are trusted and trusted to be a role model. Regarding the character that we expect from our student athletes. Coaches who abuse that trust will be removed from their positions. There will be no exceptions," Carlin said.
The report also noted that Bowen and former principal Debbie Diggs had previously denied the pay-to-play allegations and claimed the academy was not allowed access to the school's fields. The district's findings reportedly contradict those statements.
After the investigations, The School District of Lee County also introduced its new athletics student code of conduct, which the district adds was in the works even before these investigations occurred, per Franco's WBBH report.
