In a big change for Florida high school football, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has punished The First Academy (TFA) in Orlando severely after a report showed that its football team broke a lot of rules.
The Orlando Sentinel got a story that says TFA has to give up eight wins from this season, can not play in the 2024 or 2025 state playoffs, and will have to pay fines totaling $36,000.
An investigation by the FHSAA found violations such as improper communication with players who were not yet enrolled at TFA, offering an Uber ride to school for a player who was not yet enrolled, unenrolled players competing for the Royals in summer activities, hosting multiple 7-on-7 events with coaches without a required facility usage agreement for non-school activities, and more.
These punishments are a big blow to TFA’s school, which had high hopes after Moffett moved there from Leesburg High School. Moffett took his guidance and a lot of his team to TFA. He was known for getting Leesburg’s football team back on track.
Not only does the school have to give up wins and miss the playoffs, but it also has to pay $36,000 in fines. This breaks the hearts of the players. There is nothing worse than having your season end in this way.
No player should have to go out like this. There is a SI story by Jeff Gardenour that says TFA will strongly deny the FHSAA’s claims. Frank Kruppenbacher, an Orlando lawyer who works for TFA, will be their lawyer.
The FHSAA’s decision comes at a time when recruitment and transfer practices in Florida high school sports are coming under more and more attention.
This is because schools are trying to follow stricter rules. FHSAA’s decision can be fought by TFA, but they have to do so within 10 work days to special committees.