I think some jobs may be on the line.
https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articl...cle_0cf41168-2f24-11ef-be80-5771473f6dd4.html
https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articl...cle_0cf41168-2f24-11ef-be80-5771473f6dd4.html
Trouble at Hayfield
- Thread starter catchtds
- Start date
It remains to be seen what happens. Allegedly, Overton is friendly with both DSA Fritts and the principal, which is allegedly one of the reasons he moved to Hayfield. If the allegations in this article are true, and with so many allegations of varying activities being made some of them have to be true, it is not looking good and at least Overton and Fritts need to be removed from their positions. As to the legality of raising team funds mentioned in the article, there is certainly no reason you cannot seek to raise funds for a team-it is how you do it that matters. The only question is: will FCPS do something or sweep it under the rug?
With regard to the transfers, it is totally understandable that a few kids (like his nephew whose father is the DC) would transfer. And that transfer is fine, regardless of residence, because his father is employed at Hayfield. But as many transfers as alleged? I don't buy it. That defeats the "represent your community" and "play with your friends" aspects of public school football. And before someone cries "they all do it", well, not all programs do it this way. Kids move all the time but in those numbers? Not likely.
As to Overton's ability to coach the true litmus test would have been what does he do with the kids who were already at Hayfield. If he takes them to new heights he deserves to get all the accolades he receives. Looks like we won't get to see that now, if the numbers of transfers alleged is true and they are all legitimate. But with the talent he allegedly recruited at Freedom almost any coach could attain the success he had at the past two seasons with so many outstanding athletes.
Ok, I stated my opinion and I think some will disagree. State your thoughts.
With regard to the transfers, it is totally understandable that a few kids (like his nephew whose father is the DC) would transfer. And that transfer is fine, regardless of residence, because his father is employed at Hayfield. But as many transfers as alleged? I don't buy it. That defeats the "represent your community" and "play with your friends" aspects of public school football. And before someone cries "they all do it", well, not all programs do it this way. Kids move all the time but in those numbers? Not likely.
As to Overton's ability to coach the true litmus test would have been what does he do with the kids who were already at Hayfield. If he takes them to new heights he deserves to get all the accolades he receives. Looks like we won't get to see that now, if the numbers of transfers alleged is true and they are all legitimate. But with the talent he allegedly recruited at Freedom almost any coach could attain the success he had at the past two seasons with so many outstanding athletes.
Ok, I stated my opinion and I think some will disagree. State your thoughts.
@falcettik -- I completely agree with your observation, "As to Overton's ability to coach the true litmus test would have been what does he do with the kids who were already at Hayfield." That would have been interesting to see a new program built in place, even if a few kids transfer in due to interest with the new staff. That's why I enjoy seeing how teams like South County, Centreville, Madison, Lake Braddock, Stone Bridge, etc. evolve every year with the the ebb and flow of the kids coming up predominately from youth programs.
If they investigate and find no fire for all the smoke, then great; let's see what the season brings; if things end up being born out, then as you ask, "The only question is: will FCPS do something or sweep it under the rug?" Although the detail and extent information now in the press and apparently now in the expanding FCPS investigation, does lead me to wonder why Prince William County schools never caught on to any earlier ("alleged," or should it be "rumored") shenanigans as Freedom became a powerhouse of talented kids.
If they investigate and find no fire for all the smoke, then great; let's see what the season brings; if things end up being born out, then as you ask, "The only question is: will FCPS do something or sweep it under the rug?" Although the detail and extent information now in the press and apparently now in the expanding FCPS investigation, does lead me to wonder why Prince William County schools never caught on to any earlier ("alleged," or should it be "rumored") shenanigans as Freedom became a powerhouse of talented kids.
Last edited:
Damning article that does not paint Overton in a good light at all. If these allegations are true, he should be banned from coaching. If true, this is another example of "win at all cost" and the administration should be rolled as well because it sounds like they are complicit.
FCPS is already getting notifications of lawsuits on this matter!
Didn’t the Principal at Hayfield come over from Freedom last year?
I would expect that every school system has a vetting requirement when anyone raises money for school programs. I know it’s policed strictly here in Dinwiddie. And, a full and complete, and verifiable accounting of where the money was spent is part of that process. It sure doesn’t look like that’s the case at Hayfield.
The administrators better get there act together though. They could win 15 games and the championship and have to forfeit everything for using an illegal player. And that would be a travesty for the kids. And all this just so a few adults can stroke their own egos.
I would expect that every school system has a vetting requirement when anyone raises money for school programs. I know it’s policed strictly here in Dinwiddie. And, a full and complete, and verifiable accounting of where the money was spent is part of that process. It sure doesn’t look like that’s the case at Hayfield.
The administrators better get there act together though. They could win 15 games and the championship and have to forfeit everything for using an illegal player. And that would be a travesty for the kids. And all this just so a few adults can stroke their own egos.
He came from Varina, was also the principal at Thomas Jefferson in Richmond for a few years.
I concur. This is right up there with the diploma mill/AAU teams that have popped up around the state.
Two sad things to anticipate IF the allegations are true.
One...the administration at Fairfax County Public Schools (as they are in Prince William) are inept and are more worried about virtue signaling than actual learning and morality. I expect them to cover this up for obvious reasons.
Two...the VHSL would be extremely gutless to where they would be scared to issue any type of ban; let alone a lifetime ban. I don't even know if they have a functioning and competent compliance department to even investigate or make a ruling on this to be honest.
One...the administration at Fairfax County Public Schools (as they are in Prince William) are inept and are more worried about virtue signaling than actual learning and morality. I expect them to cover this up for obvious reasons.
Two...the VHSL would be extremely gutless to where they would be scared to issue any type of ban; let alone a lifetime ban. I don't even know if they have a functioning and competent compliance department to even investigate or make a ruling on this to be honest.
Correct me if I am wrong but the way I read that article it sounds like FCPS are the ones investigating. I think that in itself means they are taking it seriously.
Just seems like a lot of smoke not to be a fire somewhere. Said that to a friend this weekend when we were discussing.
On the VHSL end... I find it troubling that the school system is doing the investigating and not the VHSL. Granted the VHSL would only be investigating the recruiting aspect and not the financial or bullying part to this equation. We all know transfers happen... the cat is out of the bag at this stage in the game. That said, 30 transfers... come on now, that's excessive.
Realistically when is the last time anyone got in trouble with the VHSL for recruiting/transfers?
Last I recall was when the Beach District sanctioned Ocean Lakes and Coach Scott for his shenanigans recruiting the youth leagues giving them old OLHS jerseys to wear even though the kids were zoned elsewhere. If I’m remembering correctly, it was the district (aka beach principals) that took action though, not the state org (VHSL).
Last major action by VHSL that I recall was against Pulaski and that was out-of-season practice if I remember correctly...and the following year the out-of-season practice rule was changed to allow for it as a district/region/group decision.
Transfer issue is rampant with no end in sight and/or seemingly little to no attempt by school divisions, districts or regions to scrutinize fortuitous moves by players...especially moves since covid and by upperclassmen.
I think schools just have more things that warrant their attention. Does not mean they should not be paying attention or taking action when necessary. Also think it is a bit of belief that is whatever is best for the student-athlete no matter whether it follows a straight line or not.
Last edited:
Recruiting scandal at Hayfield widens into multiple investigations
This spring, soon after football coach Darryl Overton announced he was starting a “New legacy” at Hayfield Secondary School, the school’s director of student services, Erin Crowley rang the alarm
I don’t think this is going away. Really troubling allegations being reported here.
You beat me to the punch, I was going to share this update.Recruiting scandal at Hayfield widens into multiple investigations
This spring, soon after football coach Darryl Overton announced he was starting a “New legacy” at Hayfield Secondary School, the school’s director of student services, Erin Crowley rang the alarmwww.fairfaxtimes.com
I don’t think this is going away. Really troubling allegations being reported here.
Likely to get very messy as way too many people are now involved to just brush it under the rug. Haun and his staff are trying to figure out how they can look like they're doing something without really getting dragged into the mess and having their own performance under greater scrutiny. The VHSL is the Virginia version of the NCAA HQ staff and people can interpret that how they wish.
I made that same argument the other day. Yahoo sports does an investigative story it catches fire and then the NCAA swoops in with with punishment after ignoring. Other entities exposing stories within high school sports and then the VHSL wants to get involved.
Not the holier than thou programs that throw stones from glass houses.
Most of the kids on their team are from all over the state. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.
He is a smart guy, hopefully he is smart enough to have dotted all of his i.s and crossed all of his ts.
Just to follow up on the point about coaching a team up with the players that are already at the school. I'm not sure how many starters Hayfield had returning from their team last year, but they did have a winning record and better overall participation numbers than Freedom. I thought there was a good chance that they could at least be a regional contender this season, if not a state contender, just by building the team around the coach's nephew alone. Without all of the alleged transfers and drama that comes with that. He is an impact player on both sides of the ball and basically carried Freedom to the title win over Highland Springs in December.
I don't know if Hayfield will be in the clear a month from now, but if they are, we are probably still in the early stages of the drama. Once they start dominating every team there are going to be a lot of unhappy coaches and parents lol. Might be another 100+ point game in the future.
I don't know if Hayfield will be in the clear a month from now, but if they are, we are probably still in the early stages of the drama. Once they start dominating every team there are going to be a lot of unhappy coaches and parents lol. Might be another 100+ point game in the future.
Nothings going to come of this. It’s way too many programs doing the exact same thing. I can name about 10 right now.
That’s not true! I don’t see any other programs embezzling and bullying kids out of the program! Nothing will be done till they have an official roster and then Fairfax County is going to take over. Multiple lawyers are involved! It is definitely not something that will be brushed under the rug.
So do I! I don’t mind financing any lawyer to investigate this thoroughly
The ONLY way that the VHSL can, and will, do anything is if a member school provides them with verifiable evidence of alleged violations, with a signature. Anonymous complaints are not even reviewed.
Last edited:
Bingo and the longer the Hayfield situation drags out the more I feel nothing will be done.
Nothing can be done til the play a real game WITH an actual roster. Currently he is saying no one is officially on the team.
Both sides make valid points. Nothing can be done until formal complaints are made, be they to the School Board and/or the VHSL. The flip side of that is with regards to eligibility accusations at least, nothing has actually occurred until participation in a live game has occurred. The reality is the timing of the complaints, if eventually rising to actual violations, will just cast the net wider as to who knew(or should have known) what and when and was in a position to address the situation. Right now all parties are probably just trying to figure out how they can avoid being sued, fired or both. The final piece, albeit unlikely, is if they do not win this is a much lower profile situation going forward.
We all anxiously await HooSprings’ lawyer’s investigative report! Lol, maybe he hired Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley. Let us know when you’ve got info to share!
Nothing can happen til a live game! Keep supporting that thief and bully! The man is a con artist fraud! Can’t wait for the legal system to bust that punk!
Similar threads
