TFA football players deemed eligible, committee overturns suspension unanimously

The FHSAA Sectional Appeals Committee overturned unanimously the initial suspension of 365 days for five The First Academy football players.

“We are thankful to the FHSAA Sectional Appeals Committee, which met regarding alleged impermissible benefits being provided to student-athletes at The First Academy,” said TFA’s legal representative Frank Kruppenbacher in a released statement. “The committee studied the evidence carefully, asked questions insightfully and ruled equitably. We are delighted that these students are immediately eligible.”

The five Royals players — Aden Hall, Demetrice McCray, Trintin Thomas, DJ Whiley and Alex Willis — were accused of receiving impermissible benefits; specifically, one free lunch delivered to four players at the school and TFA offensive coordinator Steven Moffett providing one of the student-athletes one Uber ride. 

FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon initially deemed the five players ineligible to play for TFA for a full calendar year, but the five-person appeals committee overturned the ruling and reduced the penalty to time-served, as the five players sat out the Royals game against Melbourne Central Catholic.