Investigation at Northside

[Football220]

Last night, as Burt Torrence changed his story and admitted to wrong doing to the Roanoke County School Board, Frank Dent officially resigned from his job. Now we learn the police have been part of the investigation for some time.

Burt's story has changed drastically from what he told his former players and parents in his Sunday's meeting when he announced he was going to resign because he was being "railroaded".

A very sad situation at Northside, but people need to be held accountable. Frank - Burt, I hope you both have good attonerys. However, I pray you both do the right thing and tell the truth and accept the consequences.

http://m.roanoke.com/news/local/roa...b91-db8a-5164-bd0f-061291b0496e.html?mode=jqm

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I find it puzzling that the AD has not been mentioned. If what is being reported is accurate, and at this point it's basically been admitted to, you just have to believe what took place was with the knowledge of the AD. In the rare chance that the AD was not aware of the diversion of the track stipend, then they almost certainly are guilty of derilection of their duties.

If Torrence was the AD as well as the head football coach, then this is just another reason why the AD should never be allowed to be a coach. (Excepting the fact that in some districts it's an economic necessity).

 

[Salemgal]

Frank Dent was the AD which was principal as well. He just resigned last Thursday night. In February he was reassigned to central office for "personal and family affairs".

 

[redzone4us]

Let me see if I got this right. Torrence confesses AFTER he got caught. How noble of him.

 

[Football220]

Frank was not the AD. There were three different AD's during this period including the current AD. Make no mistake about it, Frank Dent would bully and threaten anyone who questioned his decisions or authority. Burt was just as complicit. Once this investigation is completed, I would expect more Roanoke County staff will be reassigned, loose their job, or be charged criminally. If it can be proven, there is a lot more money and other issues involved than just the two years of track stipends given to Burt which he has admitted to.

The Northside Community is hurting and confused because the people they loved and trusted thought that it was easier to cheat and lie. However, a lot of people knew what was happening and did nothing to stop it. I pray for the safety and happiness for all the students and staff at Northside.

 

[shauntclair]

Frank was not the AD. There were three different AD's during this period including the current AD. Make no mistake about it, Frank Dent would bully and threaten anyone who questioned his decisions or authority. Burt was just as complicit. Once this investigation is completed, I would expect more Roanoke County staff will be reassigned, loose their job, or be charged criminally. If it can be proven, there is a lot more money and other issues involved than just the two years of track stipends given to Burt which he has admitted to.

The Northside Community is hurting and confused because the people they loved and trusted thought that it was easier to cheat and lie. However, a lot of people knew what was happening and did nothing to stop it. I pray for the safety and happiness for all the students and staff at Northside.

Students will be fine. They have no interest in such things.

The rest will work itself out and Northside will be fine.

 

[Bowl with cheesy western]

Its just the beginng of a snow ball heading downhill. Misappropriation of funds, credit card use, grade tampering, falsified addresses of students transferring into the county and live in the city........ If the school board let's them stay on board its telling the kids it OK to steal .

 

[southbottomU]

More to come out tonight on the news

 

[DinwiddieProud]

More to come out tonight on the news

We won't get any news on this situation down our way, so please post a link when more info breaks.

 

[Football220]

We won't get any news on this situation down our way, so please post a link when more info breaks.

http://m.wdbj7.com/news/local/northside-high-school-under-scrutiny/39074946

 

[southbottomU]

Hearing rumors that some kids at Northside considering transferring

 

[mike salem]

Hearing rumors that some kids at Northside considering transferring

One in particular posted so on his Twitter feed. That doesn't necessarily mean anything, these guys are young they may have no control over where they go to school or may just be saying things out of anger, disgust, or frustration. All that being said if they're thinking about transferring, I'll look and see which closet we keep the red carpet in!

 

[southbottomU]

Agreed. Only believe that stuff when parents or parent buy house in Salem and move. I have a lot of doubt in such rumors.

 

[cutnjump]

Agreed. Only believe that stuff when parents or parent buy house in Salem and move. I have a lot of doubt in such rumors.

Might not be Salem. Some could just be returning to their original school. Lots of chatter throughout the Valley on the ongoing investigation and potential fallout. Some speculation that the local paper will revive the recruiting story they previously scuttled and local TV/radio stations are rumored to be digging in to the recruiting angle as well. Very uncomfortable times for some people waiting to see what may be brought to light.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

As far as transfers in the wake of scandals, historically all of the talk and bluster usually results in maybe one transfer.

 

[tommythecpa]

When he was also mayor of Salem, Eddie Joyce Sr was caught getting frebbies from a local sporting goods supplier.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

When he was also mayor of Salem, Eddie Joyce Sr was caught getting frebbies from a local sporting goods supplier.

Well, look who has a life again, now that April 17th has passed! Welcome back, Tommy!

 

[mike salem]

Might not be Salem. Some could just be returning to their original school. Lots of chatter throughout the Valley on the ongoing investigation and potential fallout. Some speculation that the local paper will revive the recruiting story they previously scuttled and local TV/radio stations are rumored to be digging in to the recruiting angle as well. Very uncomfortable times for some people waiting to see what may be brought to light.

The one particular kid I was talking about Cut, specifically said Salem. There was a regular shuttle from Fleming to Northside for a few years there. Most of it started around the time Dom Dunnaville, QB, & Harold Buckner, the WR transferred. There were suspicions that it wasn't legit at the time, but I hadn't seen any concrete evidence anything wrong had occurred. There have been a few other transfers to my knowledge since then, I'd be interested to see if the news digs up the transfer issue with everything else that is going on now at Northside. It's a bit like kicking someone when they're down, but to the news it would be striking while the iron is hot I guess.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

One thing is for sure Mike. As long as there is more than one high school, the transfer issue will always be in the forefront of our discussions.

I would think it would be tough to go back a few years after a kid has graduated and find any damning evidence of wrong doing, with respect to transfers. Short of a student that was part of a questionable transfer, bearing witness against his former school/coach, suspicion is all that is left.

 

[mike salem]

One thing is for sure Mike. As long as there is more than one high school, the transfer issue will always be in the forefront of our discussions.

I would think it would be tough to go back a few years after a kid has graduated and find any damning evidence of wrong doing, with respect to transfers. Short of a student that was part of a questionable transfer, bearing witness against his former school/coach, suspicion is all that is left.

I believe it may have happened nearly every year for the last 4 or 5. If the VHSL found that students transferred against their rules, would they consider taking away championships? I would personally hope not, but there's no question Dom & Buckner were instrumental in the '13 title. I don't know if their transfers were legal so I'm just speculating here. I just say that because in the NCAA when they find serious enough violations they have vacated titles. (USC comes to mind)

 

[DinwiddieProud]

It almost has to be that level of punishment. I can't think of any other sanction short of this "death penalty" that would be enough of a deterrent. Even with this possibility, (vacating championships, and/or forfeiture of games), abuse still goes on. Sadly, a few believe that the end justifies the means. Even it it is totally contridictory to the example we want from the teachers and leaders of our schools, it happens.

 

[cutnjump]

The one particular kid I was talking about Cut, specifically said Salem. There was a regular shuttle from Fleming to Northside for a few years there. Most of it started around the time Dom Dunnaville, QB, & Harold Buckner, the WR transferred. There were suspicions that it wasn't legit at the time, but I hadn't seen any concrete evidence anything wrong had occurred. There have been a few other transfers to my knowledge since then, I'd be interested to see if the news digs up the transfer issue with everything else that is going on now at Northside. It's a bit like kicking someone when they're down, but to the news it would be striking while the iron is hot I guess.

Wasn't trying to say Salem might not get one, just that there could be other possibilities. I would expect Fleming, Salem, Byrd and potentially one or two other valley high schools MIGHT be destinations. Dunnaville and Buckner are two high profile guys given the success they enjoyed. My own personal opinion is that whatever comes out will be driven first by the investigation results and secondarily by any dots connected in other areas as a result of the investigation. I don't see it as kicking somebody when they are down, more providing context and details to all that was going on and possibly in response to promises not kept. The explanation for the original story getting killed was that the situation had been addressed and would not occur in future and reporting would not really serve a purpose. Subsequent events showed that to be a hollow promise from the parties providing the assurances.

 

[mike salem]

Wasn't trying to say Salem might not get one, just that there could be other possibilities. I would expect Fleming, Salem, Byrd and potentially one or two other valley high schools MIGHT be destinations. Dunnaville and Buckner are two high profile guys given the success they enjoyed. My own personal opinion is that whatever comes out will be driven first by the investigation results and secondarily by any dots connected in other areas as a result of the investigation. I don't see it as kicking somebody when they are down, more providing context and details to all that was going on and possibly in response to promises not kept. The explanation for the original story getting killed was that the situation had been addressed and would not occur in future and reporting would not really serve a purpose. Subsequent events showed that to be a hollow promise from the parties providing the assurances.

I would say Fleming would have the most right to complain and may have some players in the Northside system right now that belong to WF. Idk, that would be pure speculation on my part. I was wondering if Larry Basham might end up at Northside last year with his cousin Carlos playing there. I have to reiterate I don't have any insider information and I'm not trying to stir up more trouble. I know there were a lot of rumors and much speculation especially with the number of Fleming players that were ending up at Northside. I'll be glad when they get it all out in the open and resolve all of the issues which involved many more people than just Torrence. I know he was caught, but at least he came out and apologized and seemed sincere especially with regards to how his actions ultimately affected his players. No admission or apology from the Asst Principal, Principal, AD, et al for their participation in the stipend issue, potential illegal transfer issue, money shortages from athletic events, etc...It is painful but they may as well come completely clean now for whatever indiscretions occurred and whoever needs to be held accountable.

 

[cutnjump]

I would say Fleming would have the most right to complain and may have some players in the Northside system right now that belong to WF. Idk, that would be pure speculation on my part. I was wondering if Larry Basham might end up at Northside last year with his cousin Carlos playing there. I have to reiterate I don't have any insider information and I'm not trying to stir up more trouble. I know there were a lot of rumors and much speculation especially with the number of Fleming players that were ending up at Northside. I'll be glad when they get it all out in the open and resolve all of the issues which involved many more people than just Torrence. I know he was caught, but at least he came out and apologized and seemed sincere especially with regards to how his actions ultimately affected his players. No admission or apology from the Asst Principal, Principal, AD, et al for their participation in the stipend issue, potential illegal transfer issue, money shortages from athletic events, etc...It is painful but they may as well come completely clean now for whatever indiscretions occurred and whoever needs to be held accountable.

Lots of moving pieces at present and, apologies while nice, have to be balanced against risks and exposures. There will be time for apologizing before all is concluded. IMO, I don't think Torrence gets a lot of credit at this point for apologizing because he created the need for the apology by his original statements and it is unclear what else may eventually come out. I wish the fans at Northside(including our former poster leftovers) as well as the kids did not have to go through this and my hope is the investigation will be conducted thoroughly and efficiently so things can be dealt with once and for all in a quick manner. Death by a thousand cuts, the approach UNC has taken to their current troubles, is a disservice to the fans and kids.

 

[shauntclair]

Don't anyone forget, the Schools are the Investigators here. The VHSL has nothing to do with this other than observe and make decisions on sanctions based on what tHe Schools report. The VHSL has NO investigative body. So many make this assumption, I thought it would be an idea to remind folks of that.

 

[cutnjump]

Don't anyone forget, the Schools are the Investigators here. The VHSL has nothing to do with this other than observe and make decisions on sanctions based on what tHe Schools report. The VHSL has NO investigative body. So many make this assumption, I thought it would be an idea to remind folks of that.

Valid point. To clarify further, it has been reported that in addition to school investigators, external auditors and law enforcement are involved as well. IMO, the VHSL is very far down the list of concerns for the parties involved in this situation.

 

[mike salem]

Don't anyone forget, the Schools are the Investigators here. The VHSL has nothing to do with this other than observe and make decisions on sanctions based on what tHe Schools report. The VHSL has NO investigative body. So many make this assumption, I thought it would be an idea to remind folks of that.

This has so many angles and runs so deep that beyond the Roanoke Co Public Schools investigation, this also involves the Roanoke County Police Dept. What sanctions the VHSL may levy after everything comes to light will probably be the least of anyone's worries.

 

[tommythecpa]

This has so many angles and runs so deep that beyond the Roanoke Co Public Schools investigation, this also involves the Roanoke County Police Dept. What sanctions the VHSL may levy after everything comes to light will probably be the least of anyone's worries.

I would agree. Sometimes this kind of thing involves a lack of internal control. Busy coaches overlook dorms or signing forms. Will be interesting to see how it shakes out.

 

[tommythecpa]

Well, look who has a life again, now that April 17th has passed! Welcome back, Tommy!

Thanks. I am still worn out.