News Summary

Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, California is in turmoil following the resignation of its president amid serious allegations of misconduct in the football program. The scandal includes ineligible players, a violent incident during a game in Hawaii, and bribery claims involving a prominent booster. As the school cancels its football season, uncertainty looms over the leadership and the future of its athletics. The community seeks clarity from the CIF regarding player transfers and penalties while the school vows to restore integrity.

Local High School Football Program in Turmoil as President Steps Down

Bishop Montgomery High School, a respected institution in Torrance, California, has found itself at the center of a whirlwind of controversies. The school recently confirmed that Patrick Lee, the president, has officially resigned. This announcement was shared in a letter to families on a Wednesday, marking a significant turn of events for the school community.

Scandalous Circumstances Unfold

The resignation comes amidst an unfolding football scandal that has left many parents, students, and fans in shock. The troubles began with allegations involving ineligible players participating in the school’s football program. The situation escalated dramatically when news broke about a violent brawl during a game in Hawaii, raising serious questions about sportsmanship and conduct. Adding fuel to the fire were claims of bribery involving a school booster known as Brett Steigh, infamously dubbed the ‘Money Man.’

On September 1, 2025, Steigh made a startling admission on the FATTAL FACTOR podcast, revealing that he had paid players to join the football team at Bishop Montgomery. This revelation was the tipping point that led to swift actions by the school administration.

Immediate Consequences for the Football Program

As the scandal continued to unfold, Bishop Montgomery took significant steps to address the issues at hand. Just a day after Steigh’s admission, the school announced the cancellation of its 2025 varsity football season on September 2, leaving players and fans devastated. All games were forfeited, and Ed Hodgkiss, the football coach, was promptly let go in connection with the scandal.

Uncertainty Surrounds School Leadership

While Lee’s resignation is confirmed, the status of Michele Starkey, the principal, remains ambiguous. Her profile has not been removed from the school’s website, yet no further updates have emerged regarding her position. The community is left speculating about the future of the school’s leadership as they navigate this tumultuous time.

CIF Decision Haunts Players and Families

As of September 10, families and the football team at Bishop Montgomery are anxiously awaiting a ruling from the CIF Southern Section. This decision is critical as it will determine whether players can transfer away from the program without facing penalties or if they will have to endure a suspension due to previous violations. This uncertainty has created a tense atmosphere around the school.

Bishop Montgomery has taken the initiative to self-report violations related to CIF bylaw 202 after five players were declared ineligible. The Archdiocese has underscored the seriousness of the matter, indicating that immediate measures have been taken to ensure adherence to CIF regulations. Furthermore, there have been alarming reports of a staggering 24 new transfers into the program this year, raising important ethical concerns.

Financial Incentives and Allegations

Steigh’s declarations regarding providing financial incentives for player transfers have added another layer of controversy, as he claimed these actions were his own and unknown to school officials. Many believe that the recent influx of players was driven by the desire to create a more competitive team that could rival the likes of Mater Dei and St. John Bosco.

Looking Forward: A Need for Change

The Bishop Montgomery community is grappling with the fallout from the scandal, with the school expressing sincere regret over the situation. They have vowed to implement corrective actions to prevent future violations and restore the integrity of their athletic programs.

As this unprecedented situation evolves, families are left wondering about the future of their beloved football program. With ongoing investigations and decisions pending from CIF, it’s clear that Bishop Montgomery High School is at a crossroads, hoping to emerge stronger and more compliant in the long run.

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