News Summary

Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, California, has suspended its varsity football program for the entire 2025 season due to serious violations of CIF Southern Section bylaws. The announcement follows a booster scandal involving illegal payments to parents of opposing players and a subsequent investigation revealing additional violations. While the varsity team faces a shutdown, junior varsity football will continue. Community reactions have been mixed, raising concerns about the repercussions for student-athletes and future college opportunities.

Torrance Faces Fallout as Bishop Montgomery High School Suspends Football Program

In a shocking turn of events, Bishop Montgomery High School located in Torrance, California, has announced the suspension of its varsity football program for the entire 2025 season. With a wave of emotions flowing through the community, this decision came after serious allegations surfaced involving violations of CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) bylaws and a booster scandal that has left everyone scratching their heads.

The Booster Scandal

At the heart of the uproar is an admission made by booster Brett Steigh. He confessed to giving money to the parents of players from Narbonne and St. Bernard in an effort to bolster Bishop Montgomery’s football program. It’s a revelation that sent shockwaves through the community, leading to an investigation carried out in tandem with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. This probe uncovered additional violations, particularly concerning transfer students, which ultimately contributed to the harsh ruling against the football team.

Ineligibility and Suspensions

Just last month, the CIF-SS determined that five players from Bishop Montgomery were ineligible due to falsifying necessary information. This led the school to self-report even more violations as they faced growing scrutiny. Notably, over 20 incoming football transfers had joined the ranks in what many believed was an effort to enhance the team’s performance for the upcoming season.

Coaching Changes and Program Challenges

The fallout continued with the firing of Ed Hodgkiss, the head football coach and co-athletic director. His departure is part of the broader consequences arising from this scandal. It’s worth noting that Bishop Montgomery’s football program had previously faced challenges, including a sideline brawl during a game against Saint Louis in Hawaii, which resulted in suspensions and ultimately led to the forfeiture of a game against Mater Dei due to the team lacking eligible players.

Junior Varsity Football to Continue

Even with the varsity football team on suspension, there’s still hope for athletes at the school. Bishop Montgomery has announced that it will continue to offer junior varsity football. However, this move may complicate things for players attempting to transfer without penalty. Under CIF rules, student-athletes are allowed to switch schools without facing a sit-out period or meeting certain residential criteria when a program is shut down. But with the varsity season off the table, there’s uncertainty surrounding the eligibility of players who might want to leap to other schools.

Community Reactions

As the news spreads, parents and community members are expressing confusion and dissatisfaction, especially concerning how these events could impact student-athletes hoping to secure college scholarships. School administration has issued a press release, conveying their regret over this situation while emphasizing that steps are being taken to prevent any future violations.

Legal Troubles Ahead

Adding to the complexity, the attorney representing the former head coach has indicated plans to pursue legal action following Hodgkiss’s firing. Meanwhile, some players are still navigating the tricky waters of having their transfers approved by the CIF Southern Section.

Looking Forward

As Bishop Montgomery transitions into this uncertain period, one thing is for sure: the impact of this suspension will be felt far and wide. The future of the school’s football program hangs in the balance, and community members will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on how officials handle the necessary corrective actions and any potential repercussions for the athletes involved.

While the varsity football team may be out for the 2025 season, the spirit of the game likely still runs strong among the dedicated supporters and players who remain hopeful for a fresh start.

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