This week MTCS was made aware of a possible TSSAA rule violation due to the use of an ineligible player on its boys basketball team.
Upon an immediate investigation the school came to the conclusion that the player in question was ineligible from competition this season. The school reported the violation and their planned corrective action to the TSSAA. The situation occurred due to a misapplication of a rule during the 2017-2018 school year. TSSAA rules state that use of an ineligible player constitutes forfeiture of any games in which that player participates. Therefore, the boys basketball team will forfeit all this season’s prior wins.
“We respect the important work performed by the TSSAA and take full ownership of the mistake we made in interpreting and applying the organization’s eligibility rules. This violation was not a willful act on our part to gain a competitive advantage but instead was an honest misunderstanding of the appropriate implementation of the rules. I have full confidence in the integrity and character of those that lead our athletic department. We regret the negative impact this moment has had on our athletes and athletic community and will work diligently to ensure that this kind of oversight does not occur in the future.” states MTCS President Matt Tiller.
Head boys basketball coach Jason Piercey states, “Our team is disappointed and frustrated by this regrettable circumstance. Our student athletes have worked hard through an already challenging year. We know that our school community will continue to support us and rally around these young men as they head into the postseason.”
