The Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) this week concluded its investigation into Roosevelt High School’s football recruiting practices, and it found the school guilty of level three violations. Roosevelt High School now faces several penalties and fines.
According to ON3, the WIAA found Roosevelt High School had broken rule 27.0.0, which states, “Recruiting of students or attempted recruiting of students for athletic purposes is prohibited regardless of their residence.”
The Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) this week concluded its investigation into Roosevelt High School’s football recruiting practices, and it found the school guilty of level three violations. Roosevelt High School now faces several penalties and fines.
According to ON3, the WIAA found Roosevelt High School had broken rule 27.0.0, which states, “Recruiting of students or attempted recruiting of students for athletic purposes is prohibited regardless of their residence.”
In the lead-up to Roosevelt’s Class3A state semifinals win, a number of players transferred to the school from area rivals against WIAA rules.
The Roughriders must now pay a $17,500 fine, and forfeit the 2025 postseason. Head football coach Sam Adams faces a one-year coaching suspension, and Roosevelt’s athletic director, Danny Thompson, has been given a three-year suspension from working in any WIAA school. All Roosevelt High School athletics have been placed on probation, and any games from the 2023 or 2024 season that involved ineligible players must be vacated.
Any students involved in the unlawful recruiting process will be ineligible for interscholastic competition for one calendar year. Moving forward, the WIAA said, paperwork must be submitted for every transfer student with an eligibility committee in place to determine that student’s eligibility status.
According to The News Tribune, the WIAA even extended the penalties beyond Roosevelt High School, and handed down a fine to Seattle Public Schools' executive athletic director and Seattle Public Schools’ athletic department.
