Commentary on Rush Probst Resignation from Hoover High

First, I applaud Hoover High School head football coach Rush Probst for having the decency to resign his position in light of the recent investigation into the program that found the school guilty of grade-fixing and allowing an ineligible transfer to play.

However, I want to blast the crazy school board that decided that it was okay to have the coach, who also admitted to having an affair and fathering a child during the affair, lead the team through the end of the year!!

What type of message is this sending?

To be honest, I CANNOT figure it out!!

Oh wait, I can…like Overstock.com’s slogan…it’s all about the “O”. Yes, Hoover’s slogan is it’s all about the “W”.

In addition to coaching through the end of the year, Probst will also be allowed to transfer to another job within the school district until his resignation takes effect August 31, 2008. Probst’s salary will remain at $100,678!! He will also be given a $120,000 annuity by August 31, 2007, plus a one year of service transfer from the Georgia Retirement System to the Alabama Retirement System that is valued at $21,000.

Are you kidding me??

This “Leader of Young Adults” was also given a couple of standing ovations by supporters that turned out to watch his tearful address before the school board, which did accept his resignation unanimously.

“I admit mistakes,” said Probst during a 45-minute statement. “I’m human. But I don’t admit wrongdoing inside the halls of Hoover High School. What I’m guilty of is the last couple of years of not monitoring the day-in and day-out activity of my staff. That’s where I failed as a football coach.”

This guy is gutless!! Sack-up Rush and tell it like it is. It’s YOUR fault.

The school board should have shown the power hungry coach the door. Yes Rush, don’t let the door hit you on the ass on your way out!!

Also, there should be a concerted effort by those in the sport, NOT to hire this guy for a period of five years.

As far as the school board…it should right this wrong by at least making sure that every other educator that was responsible for this mess gets shown the door! Of course, make sure you pay them a lot of money first to make sure that they learn their lesson!!

If the school board can’t figure it out, then it should suspend the program permanently, and then the Alabama High School Athletic Association should allow all of the players an exemption to transfer to other local schools.

This is not about winning at all costs!!

Maybe MTV can come back an do a third year on the program focusing on how one power hungry, ego-maniac brought down a high school football program.

Hoover (AL) Has To Forfeit Wins

Hoover’s run for another state title may have been derailed before it the playoffs begin.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association has ruled that the school used an ineligible player and will have to forfeit all of the games he played in. Right now, there’s debate on how many games wide receiver Tristan Purifoy played in. Hoover’s record stood at 6-1 before the AHSAA ruling, which noted that Purifoy was ineligible for two reasons…improper participation at Hoover before he enrolled, and not changing his residency in accordance with AHSAA rules

The Birmingham News is reporting that Purifoy played in all of the Bucs wins except the October 5th win over Minor. If that’s true, Hoover’s record would fall to 1-6 and leave the Bucs with no hope of qualifying for the post-season.

As it stands now, the AHSAA hasn’t banned Hoover from the state playoffs if they are eligible. In addition to the forfeits, Hoover will have to pay a $2,000 fine, plus the Bucs will be on probation for three years.