Some Bellevue football parents fight back over school board investigation

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Some parents of Bellevue High School football players are now playing offense themselves, firing accusations at the Bellevue school board, after the board launched a recently completed investigation into several allegations made against the football program.

The results of the investigation, which board members saw on April 1, are expected to be released to the public on April 26. Several players and parents of players accused the school board of hiring investigators who targeted black players and families exclusively.

“This is not about football, this is more than just about football. It's about being black in Bellevue,” said Mike Rogers, the father of a Bellevue football player.

Rogers told KIRO 7 that investigators asked his landlord how Rogers was able to pay the rent for his home.

“The question isn’t whether I can afford to live in Bellevue, it’s whether or not I can be bought in Bellevue,” he said.

Marissa Spooner LeDuff, the guardian of another Bellevue player, said it more bluntly. “Each and every one of you, see what you're doing, and resign. You're racists,” she said.

“I was only asked about black players,” said former player Christopher King. “Why were we  not even questioned?” said Bret Bordner. “Is it because I’m white?” he asked.

The investigation of Bellevue High football, which was initiated by the Bellevue school district, explored allegations that  boosters paid for football players to attend an alternative private school, the “Academic Institute” and that players lived outside the district, and played with false Bellevue addresses.

Bellevue High players and parents vigorously denied any claims that they broke the rules. A release by the Bellevue booster club denied directly paying for 17 players to attend Academic Institute.

“As a charitable, youth-focused nonprofit, we are proud to donate funds to a wide range of organizations,” the release said.

“Yes, we have donated money to the Academic Institute and it is very clear that these contributions are given with no direction as to how they are to be used—the funds are available to all AI students.  However, it is important to note that we also donated money to a wide range of entities including The Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Jubilee Reach, Franklin High School football, and a number of youth sports programs, including programs that have no connection whatsoever to Bellevue High School.”

Dr. Tim Mills, Bellevue superintendent, said the probe was never intended to be racially biased, and he admitted, investigators will be under scrutiny regarding what kinds of questions were asked of players and their families.

Cox Media Group