All four ended up in Paterson, playing for the powerhouse teams at Eastside High School, . There are also blackmail allegations linked to the rumored prostitution/ sex ring. The NJSIAA wants to know what rules were broken before it can decide on possible punishment. Meanwhile, we have spoken with numerous Thornblade residents who have offered their own intimate insights into the situation. As we exclusively reported on July 23, 2020, allegations ofserious financial irregularitiesatthe prestigiousThornblade Clubpromptedan investigationby the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) an agency with broad jurisdictional authority when it comes to cyber-enabled financial crimes.. Agents of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) could soon be called upon to join an investigation into a myriad of allegations involving the exclusive Thornblade neighborhood and its scandal-scarredcountry club, multiple law enforcement and prosecutorial sources tell this news outlet. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. We are in the process of hiring an interim president. "I am the one who has missed out (on) a school.". The change was posted the day after the school had a meeting with parents. It has also prompted an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) although it is not initially clear which component of the multi-faceted situation the feds are focused on. *Homeland Security joins probe, with eye on international pipeline. Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. NJSIAA slams Eastside with unprecedented penalties, N.J. lawmakers take steps to halt phony transcripts like ones used at Eastside, Homeland Security joins probe, with eye on international pipeline, State athletics group orders hearing into Eastside, Ugly accusations tearthrough highest levels of school, State criminal investigators launch probe into Eastside, District busted budget on$90k Wallace report, NJSIAA announces new hearings to deal with Eastside fallout. We had faith. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Andrea Aquino was treated like a curiosity in Caacupe, Paraguay, according to local coaches and an article on ESPN.com. Often, the players lived with coaches or other school employees. On Saturday morning at the Boyle Heights Beat, a student-run journalism operation, the hot topic was the college entrance cheating scandal and how . All rights reserved (About Us). Although many Boyle Heights Beat reporters over the years have applied to USC, the programs mentors could not recall a single one getting admitted. ", "As I'm sure you can understand, I am not able to provide specific personnel details. Here's why. "You gotta call her coach and whoever. Again, though, we are told HSI is looking to question the deputy in connection with its investigation. *State criminal investigators launch probe into Eastside. We came to Eastside on a very big lie.". District officials have not yet announced whether he will return to that role. On Tuesday, New Jersey's governing body for high school sports levied an unprecedented level of sanctions against the Eastside boys and girls basketball programs, including a two-year state. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "I used to play great players that are already in the NBA. But the club has declined to comment on the rest of the story . There are also blackmail allegations linked to the rumored prostitution/ sex ring. For now, we are continuing to vet all of the information coming in and we hope to have additional information to report to our readers soon. And that consensual sex acts between individuals of consenting age are, well, consensual.. Should they lose their jobs? Some of the Sparks' coaches also are on the Eastside girls staff. The game was held at Cherry Hill East High School, a neutral site for both teams. "He made a lot of promises about the future, about getting Selwyn to a university, about getting him to Division 1," Selwyn's father, Edwin, said. Theres the back door, which [is] you pull strings and do donations and then theres the side door, which he kind of created. It happened during the Camden County. Andrea Aquino began her journey in Paraguay. After starting high school that spring, Aquino, who now stands 6-9, joined the powerhouse New Jersey Sparks AAU program. 36-0 vote holds punishment for teams and former boys coach Juan Griles. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, or NJSIAA, recruiting sanctions against Eastside stemmed from a series of stories by the Star-Ledger exposing the fact that six players from Puerto Rico and Nigeria were living at Griles Paterson condominium. The USSS and HSI investigations are ongoing. But Johnson, who is Shafers domestic partner, remains on the districts payroll with a total salary of $170,000, according to public records. ASB. They had to be heard. "She's a mature, strong kid and she's hanging in there," Vanderbilt head coach Stephanie Smith said earlier this year. *Broken promises and disposable players: The remarkable story how Eastside coaches lured foreign players. Three employees fired, two others disciplined. He is heard saying, "This is what happens when you cross the border illegally." For example, Lyde and a student registration secretary were able to get pay that they originally been denied during Evans tenure. Authorities have arrested an unidentified 15-year-old in connection with the stabbing of two Paterson students at Eastside High School on Friday afternoon, which left one of the victims dead . "I can't say no to this,"Ortiz, now 20, remembers thinking. Paterson officials 'highly troubled' by latest bombshell in scandal that began with report of 6 overseas players living in coach's condo and widened to include concerns of human trafficking. Rodriguez had done well in the classroom and earned a scholarship offer to play volleyball at Purdue University. Father Heric remains our chaplain and community liaison. CLICK HERE. Seattle Times staff reporter A Seattle high school teacher is accused of repeatedly having sex with a 16-year-old student, who reported their encounters to school officials and police last. "A coach is supposed to be like another father to you," Ortiz said. Eastside had been one of the favorites to win both county and state titles. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Shes hoping for a scholarship to pay her way. According to our sources, the deputy in question was not disciplined by the sheriffs office however he is likely to be questioned by HSI regarding his alleged knowledge of the various scandals and proximity to some of its protagonists. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Some of these Disciples are members at the Thornblade club, we are told. Got a tip for a story? Even the women making rice-and-beans in the back of the room stopped to snap photos. Olivia Teforlack, a junior at Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet who wants to go to a University of California campus, said the pressures of high school and the college admission process were overwhelming enough without having to worry about reverse discrimination for the privileged. Meanwhile, sources tell us the Greenville county sheriffs office which was first made aware of the allegations involving the clubs finances in May of this year has launched an internal investigation into the proximity of one of its officers to the related scandals. Griles, he said, even bragged that he had contacts on the coaching staff at Rutgers, and that a Division 1 scholarship could be his if he came to Paterson. School is supposed to start August 23, but on Friday the school confirmed classes will be postponed one week and start August 30. The first one, a senior named Luis, knew the name of the cheating scandals mastermind. All rights reserved. That meeting took place almost one year to the day after the Paterson Board of Education approved disciplinary action against five employees including the termination of Eastsides athletics supervisor, Gregory Cooper; the removal of the head coach of the boys team, Juan Griles; and the suspension of the head coach of the girls squad, Ray Lyde Jr. I think Paterson is ready to move on, said Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, a former football and baseball coach at Eastside, who now coaches Hackensack High School's football team. She wants to major in psychology and build a career helping students who feel as stressed as she does now. The turmoil weighed on Aquino, who confided in a teacher in 2015, according to the school report. Head coaches and assistants in all sports had to take the exam, which also included questions about the city school districts policies and procedures, officials said. The school released the following statement Friday afternoon: "We made and announced administrative changes on August 2. *Troubling new questions, including concerns of human trafficking, broadside Eastside boys and girls programs. Griles had taken the role of legal guardian for most of those players, the schools subsequent investigation found. PATERSON As a result of the basketball recruiting scandal that rocked Eastside High School in 2017, more than 100 Paterson sports coaches this year were required to pass a test . The Jordans have declined multiple requests for interviews, but Aquino appears to be well clothed, well cared for and her social media accounts suggest she is adjusting to life as an American teenager. I think things like this happen all the time.. EHS ASB. *State athletics group orders hearing into Eastside. CLICK HERE. 2:14. "Nobody ever said anything to me about I-20s," Lyde said. ", Christian Ortiz (backwards hat) and Selwyn Rodriguez (far right) chat outside the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Puerto Rico. After that, theres figuring out how to pay for it. We have also rescheduled our back-to-school dates to allow us to refocus on the classroom and prepare adequately. 0:05. "Nobody wanted to spend the money once she got here. No one was seriously injured in the melee. Phone 770-784-2920 | Fax 770-784-2918. The report painted a grim picture of an emotionally distressed and helpless teenager, thousands of miles from home. In anticipation of a radio story for the Beat, Andrea went to work on her Roosevelt campus last week and asked students what they thought of the scandal. EHS. According to that action , Brian Gem Garrison - a former adjunct tennis coach at Eastside High School in Taylors, S.C. - was protected in allegedly predatory activities by the school's . The college admissions cheating scandal is roiling some of Southern California's most elite prep schools, . ", To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that But their jobs dont cover all the bills, Andrea said, so when her mother gets home after her Friday night shift, she prepares the pupusas, then steals an hour of sleep before selling them Saturday morning with Andreas 14-year-old sister. I think Eileen Shafer has done a tremendous job being proactive on this.. "'An outstanding educator': Paterson Eastside High School principal dies," by The Paterson Press' Joe Malinconico: "Gerald Glisson, who was principal of Paterson's Eastside High . We are not taking away any of the prior successes they have had this year, but we want them to know their actions have consequences.That said, even though we will be making this a growth opportunity for our students, we will also continue to contest the unfounded allegations being investigated by the NJSIAA. Aquino made it to the U.S. after a Paterson resident named Felix Ayala discovered her playing on ESPN, according to an internal school report obtained by NJ Advance Media. By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. This sounds crazy, but if I have to fly all the way back to (New Jersey), I will.". Frame. Carol said she was talking to her father about the scandal, and they wondered where the cheating stopped. According to our sources, one of these central figures is said to be involved in a forthcoming family court matter although no additional details about that case were provided. Calendar & Category Legend: Eastside High School. ", Andrea Aquino (far right) plays in a game with Paterson Eastside this season. Rodriguez left Puerto Rico in 2011, chasing the promises of a coach from New Jersey -- his own apartment, a spot on an elite high school team and a Division 1 scholarship. Spirit Week Application SIC Call for Nominations SIC Call for Nominations Matthew Stanmyre may be reached at mstanmyre@njadvancemedia.com. Based on all the feedback, we realized that both the changes and their timing were a mistake. Selwyn Rodriguez with Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico. Eastside Catholic later issued the following statement: "Thank you for your interest in our school. Home. ", "I'm the victim because I'm the one who is out of school for six months," Ejiofor said last month. News never stops. He called her a "no-misser" talent-wise, but said "my heart goes out to the kid. CHERRY HILL, New Jersey (WPVI) -- An altercation broke out Thursday night in the middle of a high school basketball game in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. A Q and A about its creation, Decades later, 'Uncle Sam' billboard still sparks debate, VIDEO: President Trump Says 'Blame on Both Sides, I Wait for Facts', Woman loses $29K after being targeted by banking scam with victims in 9 states, Driver killed after car goes off overpass in Georgetown, Puyallup teen considered suicide after school beating, Cheerleader performs solo after team quits before state championships, Kent police investigating kidnapping after car stolen with 2 kids inside. Or an issue youd like to address proactively? Olson, the recruiting analyst, said he watched Aquino play twice in January and marveled over her agility for a player of her size. Once there, the mission began to crystallize. Now, through interviews with players, parents, coaches and other sources, NJ Advance Media can trace the remarkable circumstances under which players were recruited, lured and even hijacked to New Jersey. She deserves this opportunity. Paterson Eastside High School basketball ban upheld by state commissioner, Paterson names new coach for Eastside girls basketball team, Michael Baker named boys basketball coach as Eastside looks to rebound from scandal, Paterson picks new AD to replace one fired in Eastside hoops scandal, Lawyer says Paterson Eastside coach victim of fake news in hoops scandal, Paterson's Eastside loses appeal of ban from state basketball tourney, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Their experiences cover six years and account for four of at least 13 players NJ Advance Media has identified as coming through Eastside's ambitious and bold pipeline. Griles, the Rodriguezes said, then became a ghost, leaving the brothers to taxi to doctor's appointments in Fort Lee. NJ man had guns, ammo, fake marshal ID at airport: FBI, 'Havana syndrome' 'unlikely' caused by foreign adversary: US intel, Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices up to 70% amid pressure to slash costs. When one Disciple wanted to get out earlier this year, he was told in no uncertain terms that leaving was not an option. coach blew up. The students also talked about how, at a high-powered school, they might be in a distinct minority and be looked at as students who maybe didnt deserve to be there but got a break. Those fortunes changed when a man in her neighborhood snapped photos of Aquino and sent them to the Paraguay Basketball Federation, which invited herto train alongside the country's finest players in the nation's capital. "I would just meet her at the gym and work out from there and take her to her game if need be. 1 Union City. Andrea Galdmez apologized for arriving a few minutes late. Investigators were also looking to interview several current and former students at Eastside High School as well as several current and former employees of the Thornblade Club, per one of our previous reports. What if they came knocking on the door?". "She was treated like a freak because she was so tall," said a New Jersey coach familiar with Aquino who declined to be identified due to the delicacy of the situation. It happened during the Camden County Tournament Championship game between Camden High School and Eastside High School. Selwyn's knee healed, but his relationship with the coach never did. HSI agents have also reportedly been asking questions about Brian Gem Garrison - a former adjunct tennis coach at Eastside High School in Taylors, S.C. who was arrested and charged with. But criminally charged? Days after a report detailed that six overseas basketball players were living with a coach, a number of pressing issues remained. "She's obviously confused and doesn't understand what's going on. Alberto Maldonado sat down with NJ Advance Media for a revealing and wide-ranging Q&A Tuesday. Ortiz found himself leaving practice many nights in tears, wondering why this coach brought him to New Jersey if he didn't let him step onto the court. Eastside High School. Specifically, the inquiry sought to determine whether the deputy in question failed to report his knowledge of alleged illegal activity including the dissemination of sexually explicit material to minors to his superiors. Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? State Sen. Richard Codey (D-Essex) called on Attorney General Christopher Porrino to investigate Paterson Eastside. You can understand, I am not able to get pay that they originally been denied during Evans.. 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