Both of you made reference to Jerome Singleton as being the person responsible for the Northwestern ruling. Remember, Mr. Singleton's job is to interpret the rules and make a decision. He looked at the letter of the law and decided that Northwestern was guilty as charged, and handed down the fine, player suspensions, and banned the teams from post-season and tournament play.
My understanding is that it was the Executive Committee who heard the appeal and voted by the narrowest of margins (8-7) to rule in favor of Northwestern. This committee is comprised of AD's, coaches, principals and referees.
For those that are stating that Northwestern caught a break because they either: a) have good legal representation b) are in the "good ole boys club" with the guys down in Columbia c) are a successful program that the SCHSL wouldn't want to ban d) have a family member down at SCHSL headquarters
Remember.........
This is the 4th appeal that Northwestern has made on a SCHSL ruling in the past five years. They were soundly defeated in their previous three appeals:
* NW football team banned from the playoffs after a brawl with Marlboro County (15-0) * NW football team forfeited games because Nathan Arroyo was an inelligible player (14-1) * NW arguing that all the Rock Hill schools should be in the same region under the next regional alignment (?-?)
Northwestern doesn't call the shots down in Columbia, the committee just decided to rule in their favor this time. Justice was served.
Kids play sports because they find it fun. Eliminate the fun and soon you eliminate the kid.
