Tampa Catholic reprimanded by FHSAA

Posted Jul 23, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Jul 23, 2012 at 05:26 PM

After violating a rule governing who at the school can offer financial aid to students, Tampa Catholic has received an official reprimand from the Florida High School Athletics Association and its principal, athletic director, head football and defensive coordinator must attend a compliance seminar this year, FHSAA spokesman Corey Sobers told the Tampa Tribune on Monday.

The violation stems from an offer made last year by Crusaders defensive coordinator David Lewis via text messages to the parent of a former TC football player who had just completed his freshman season. The messages discuss the possible acquisition of $2,000 in financial aid for the player during the 2011-2012 school year.

Tampa Catholic self-reported the violation to the FHSAA earlier this year. Following an internal investigation by TC officials, the parent of the player claims the money never materialized. As a result, the parents of the player withdrew their son from TC, as well as their daughter, who had enrolled as an incoming freshman.

FHSAA rules governing financial assistance prohibit athletic staff or coaches from “playing any role in the process of deciding which students receive financial assistance or the types or amount of assistance they will be given.”

The FHSAA’s ruling against TC does not involve any fines. If there were further violations, the reprimand means the school could receive additional penalties, including financial ones. Sobers said at minimum of Lewis, TC principal Tom Reidy, athletic director Freddie Langiotti and Crusaders head football coach Bob Henriquez must attend an FHSAA compliance seminar this year.