SKANEATELES -- Section III has suspended the playoff game scheduled this weekend between Skaneateles and Notre Dame Junior Senior High School in Utica.
Notre Dame Vice Principal Roy Kane tells CNYcentral that the school received notice about the decision just before noon on Friday. The school says it will comply with directives from Section III.
This would end a dream season for the Skaneateles football team. The group was undefeated (8-0) heading into this weekend's sectional semifinal. There were no ineligble players on the team.
CNYcentral has placed calls to the Skaneateles School District, but so far they have not been returned.
This morning, Section III officials met in executive session at their headquarters in East Syracuse to discuss a report that finds head coach Tim Green and his assistants tried to illegally recruit students to play for them at Skaneateles.
Section III Executive Director John Rathburn had no comment as the meeting let out. The Skaneateles superintendent has said he likely won't be able to comment until Monday.
The Skaneateles school district recently provided Section III with a 5-page report which shows the district's varsity coaches allegedly tried to illegally recruit players.
According to the Post Standard, coaches from Skaneateles tried to illegally recruit at least nine players from other schools over the past two years.
Earlier this week, former Syracuse University and pro football player Tim Green denied the allegations to the Associated Press, saying "It's unfortunate, but that's life. Sometimes, things like this happen, but I have not let it take any enjoyment out of this. I've been determined and grateful for the players and coaches I have."
Meanwhile, a growing number of parents are speaking out, saying Green and his staff are being unfairly targeted by others who resent the team's success. Do you think Section III made the right decision to suspend the game? Is this unfair to the kids who were not ruled ineligible? Do you support Tim Green and think he's being unfairly targeted? Or do you think there were blatant violations here? Leave your thoughts below.
