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A high school football coach in the state of Florida has been suspended for his illegal recruitment of a rival player. Nease defensive coordinator Robert Garth has been removed from the sidelines for six weeks.
The news comes as recruiting controversies grow nationwide. Tampering and other shady practices have created a black eye for the sport.
Nease is a Florida high school football power, and the previous home to players like Tim Tebow and Mario Butler. It currently holds a No. 21 overall state ranking and is off to a 4-2 start in the 2025 campaign.
Nease High School is without a football coach.
Earlier this year, Garth was found to have illegally contacted a player at Sandalwood that had possible intentions to transfer. That communication was a direct violation of Rule 36.3.2.1.
Sending, or arranging for anyone else to send, any form of written or electronic communication to the student or any member of his/her family, in an attempt to pressure, urge or entice the student to attend a different school to participate in interscholastic athletics.
The defensive coordinator was handed a six-week suspension alongside a hefty $5,000 fine. The school plans to appeal that decision, which if upheld, will result in Garth’s absence through early November.
Interestingly enough, Garth will not be the only coach suspended in Nease’s upcoming matchup against Bartram Trail. The Bears self-reported potential violations made by head coach Cory Johns which will keep him away from the team for the Florida high school football matchup.
Details of that transgression remain unclear though a letter was sent to parents of players this week.
Yesterday I received information regarding a potential FHSAA violation involving Coach Johns. I proactively submitted a self-report to the FHSAA to allow them to review the situation independently. I’m hopeful for a prompt resolution.
-AD Ben Windle
There is no timetable for Johns’ return at this moment.
Recruiting violations have marred high school football.
Earlier this season, a California high school football program fired its coach amid claims of forged transfer paperwork and rogue booster payments used to secure commitments.
Ed Hodgkiss of Bishop Montgomery was relieved of his duties after the scandal broke. A string of game forfeitures followed as players were ruled ineligible.
More recently, a Nebraska high school football program cancelled a game with a local powerhouse. Lincoln High backed out of a game vs. Millard South. They cited player injuries in the forfeiture.
Millard South, too, has been accused of stacking its roster through illegal recruiting. They are said to have lured players from outside the area to join the football roster.
The school has the top program in the state at the moment, led by Alabama commit Jett Thomalla. It’s won three straight state titles and appears destined for a fourth. It’s also been popped for playing two ineligible players this year.
Every high school football program is looking to be the best in its region. Some are overstepping boundaries in order to do so.
Nease will be without its defensive play caller for his involvement in shady recruiting practices. He likely won’t be the last coach to be busted.