Wise High School forfeits four wins after residency violation

Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, lost four of its eight wins this season due to a player eligibility error. The mistake dropped the team from the top of the playoff bracket to the bottom position on the eve of the postseason.

State officials ruled that one football player violated residency requirements. The school was required to forfeit four victories. The program appealed the decision to the State Athletic Association, but the appeal was denied.

Parents learned of the change in the team's record after the season had already progressed. Many had not realized the squad had fallen from an undefeated record to a .500 standing.

This is the second time in two years the school has faced a major compliance issue. Last year, the boy's basketball team went 18-2 during the regular season. The county later determined that ineligible students had participated, forcing the team to forfeit all of its wins.

Head Coach Steve Rapp defended the player involved in this football incident. He stated on Friday that the student is not a new transfer. Rapp said the player has been with the program for all four years of high school.

Sports attorney Ike Emejuru of Emejuru Law LLC suggested the school reevaluate its recruiting practices. He noted that if the program recruits from outside the locality, it must consider fairness for students who live in the area versus those who do not.