olddawggreen
07-11-2007, 11:26 PM
Michael Langston
FlaVarsity.com Publisher
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Miami Northwestern experienced the highs of a state championship and the lows hit today when Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Rudy Crew announced that the season would go on, but the entire Northwestern football coaching staff would not be retained. FlaVarsity.com brings you the latest news of today's meeting.
'The dismissal of the Bulls' coach staff stems from sex scandal involving star RB Antwain Easterling
Pain, anguish and confusion can best describe the week for Northwestern players and alumni after hearing that their season might be over before it begins. That nightmare nearly became a reality when Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Rudy Crew revealed that the Northwestern Bulls might have their 2007 season cancelled stemming from a sex scandal between the team's top player and a 14 year-old girl.
Obviously, many will point the finger at the Northwestern coaching staff, but does the blame go soley on the coaches and not the administration that made the actual decision to grant the star player access to participate in the State Title game? One has to wonder.
With their season in jeopardy, a final decision came down Wednesday afternoon from Crew on whether the Bulls will defend their title, and if Northwestern head coach Roland Smith will be retained in the process? The good news, if you call it that for Northwestern is they will get a chance to play, but under strict observation throughout the year.
"You will play this season, but under a one-year probationary period," the Superintendent replied. "In addition, there are going to be strict guidelines about acting in appropiate manner that is suitable in representing Northwestern High school.
The bad news was that for a lot of these kids the coaching staff they have learned to trust all these years will no longer be there, and now the Bulls will have to start over with a new staff.
"Anyone that was on the coaching staff last year I don't want them here. The former coaches for Northwestern will not be invited back," replied Crews at the school board meeting.
Following the tough annoucement, the players were overcome with emotion.
"The coaches weren't just good teachers, but they were like father figures to us here," explained Northwestern DT Marcus Forston.
The departure of the entire football staff at Northwestern doesn't end the rulings by Crew. Other faculty and administrators scould see their services not retained as well sources close to FlaVarsity.com stated.
FlaVarsity.com has attempted to reach the players for a reaction, but as expected most of the players were not available for comment.
So what now, where do the Northwestern Bulls go from here and can the Liberty City community bounce back? First, and foremost the foundation of a student athlete and what is expected of a student athlete will need to be restored again and that starts at the top. On the football field Northwestern will need to find a need head coach and staff. But half way into the summer? Obviously, with a storied program like the Bulls many coaches will be on the list and while a list hasn't been revealed, current Miami Central head coach Billy Rolle has been mentioned as a possible candidate.
For the time being though, Northwestern will need to turn their focus to academics and let football have a back seat for the time being. There are bigger circumstances facing the Bulls then taking home a possible State Championship and unfortunately that lesson was brought to fruition the hard way.
Next on the agenda for the Bulls will be turning their attention to summer practice. But several questions remain unanswered in the process. How will the players react to the new coaching staff, will there be any transfers? Can this team have the same chemistry they enjoyed through out the 2006 season? No one knows for sure except for Miami Northwestern.
FlaVarsity.com Publisher
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Miami Northwestern experienced the highs of a state championship and the lows hit today when Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Rudy Crew announced that the season would go on, but the entire Northwestern football coaching staff would not be retained. FlaVarsity.com brings you the latest news of today's meeting.
'The dismissal of the Bulls' coach staff stems from sex scandal involving star RB Antwain Easterling
Pain, anguish and confusion can best describe the week for Northwestern players and alumni after hearing that their season might be over before it begins. That nightmare nearly became a reality when Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Rudy Crew revealed that the Northwestern Bulls might have their 2007 season cancelled stemming from a sex scandal between the team's top player and a 14 year-old girl.
Obviously, many will point the finger at the Northwestern coaching staff, but does the blame go soley on the coaches and not the administration that made the actual decision to grant the star player access to participate in the State Title game? One has to wonder.
With their season in jeopardy, a final decision came down Wednesday afternoon from Crew on whether the Bulls will defend their title, and if Northwestern head coach Roland Smith will be retained in the process? The good news, if you call it that for Northwestern is they will get a chance to play, but under strict observation throughout the year.
"You will play this season, but under a one-year probationary period," the Superintendent replied. "In addition, there are going to be strict guidelines about acting in appropiate manner that is suitable in representing Northwestern High school.
The bad news was that for a lot of these kids the coaching staff they have learned to trust all these years will no longer be there, and now the Bulls will have to start over with a new staff.
"Anyone that was on the coaching staff last year I don't want them here. The former coaches for Northwestern will not be invited back," replied Crews at the school board meeting.
Following the tough annoucement, the players were overcome with emotion.
"The coaches weren't just good teachers, but they were like father figures to us here," explained Northwestern DT Marcus Forston.
The departure of the entire football staff at Northwestern doesn't end the rulings by Crew. Other faculty and administrators scould see their services not retained as well sources close to FlaVarsity.com stated.
FlaVarsity.com has attempted to reach the players for a reaction, but as expected most of the players were not available for comment.
So what now, where do the Northwestern Bulls go from here and can the Liberty City community bounce back? First, and foremost the foundation of a student athlete and what is expected of a student athlete will need to be restored again and that starts at the top. On the football field Northwestern will need to find a need head coach and staff. But half way into the summer? Obviously, with a storied program like the Bulls many coaches will be on the list and while a list hasn't been revealed, current Miami Central head coach Billy Rolle has been mentioned as a possible candidate.
For the time being though, Northwestern will need to turn their focus to academics and let football have a back seat for the time being. There are bigger circumstances facing the Bulls then taking home a possible State Championship and unfortunately that lesson was brought to fruition the hard way.
Next on the agenda for the Bulls will be turning their attention to summer practice. But several questions remain unanswered in the process. How will the players react to the new coaching staff, will there be any transfers? Can this team have the same chemistry they enjoyed through out the 2006 season? No one knows for sure except for Miami Northwestern.