[Allsports#1]

KHSAA ruling for Fairview football violations expected today

Aaron Snyder The Independent


WESTWOOD — Fairview superintendent Bill Musick has been playing the waiting game along with everyone else.

The wait is nearing an end.

Musick expects the Kentucky High School Athletic Association to hand down a ruling this morning regarding the Fairview football program after its investigation of the school for playing an ineligible player all of last season and part of this season.

Musick believes the sanctions will include the following: a fine, forfeits and a four-year probation.

A postseason ban for this season, Musick admits, is also likely. He is awaiting confirmation on all of the above.

Musick said he is satisfied and in agreement with the ruling. “The issue warrants the decision.”

Fairview will be stripped of 18 wins, including all 14 during its Class A state runner-up season in 2012 and its first four victories this season. The school has agreed to pay a $5,000 fine to the KHSAA.

“We, as a staff at Fairview Schools, accept the responsibility for what has transpired,” Musick said.

The Eagles, by all indications, will be forced to miss the playoffs, which were set to begin at home on Nov. 8 if eligible. The Eagles travel to James Gamble Montessori in Cincinnati tonight to wrap up the regular season.

Fairview’s record will now officially stand at 4-5, and Musick expects the school will be ordered to return all hardware collected during its 2012 season.

“When this issue with the athletic department surfaced, no one was more heartbroken than I,” said Musick in his office on Thursday. “I’ve played here, coached here, was principal here and now am the superintendent here. It’s pretty obvious how much I care for this program.”

In addition to the likely KHSAA sanctions, the school has also accepted the resignations of head football coach Nathan McPeek, effective after today’s game, and athletic director Garry McPeek, which has already taken effect.

Garry McPeek also resigned as principal and is no longer an assistant coach.

“Garry McPeek has been my friend for 20 years,” Musick said. “He was my friend last week and he is my friend today.”

Nathan McPeek remains a teacher at the high school, while Garry McPeek has been reassigned to Fairview Elementary where he is a physical education instructor.

Musick said all personnel issues go through the superintendent. The school board has nothing to do with personnel except hiring the superintendent, he said.

To insure no repeat violations, two or three programs have been initiated to bring checks and balances, according to Musick. Henceforth coaches, the principal and athletic director all will be in the loop to ensure no one person is entirely liable.

With the checks and balances system in place, any violation of this magnitude in the future would be a firing offense.

"We've got to hold everybody accountable,” Musick said.

With this level of accountability, the chances of a major violation are "slim to none,” he said.

Musick acknowledged that if another “slip-up” occurs during Fairview’s period of probation, the penalty would be severe.