Ocean Lakes football team appeal denied

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - By a 3-2 vote the Virginia High School League denied an appeal by Ocean Lakes High School to overturn the football team's six forfeits.

Earlier this month, a committee determined one of the team's players violated a residency policy. The Virginia Beach team was 6-0 at the time and was told it had to forfeit all games in which the athlete played, which was all of them.

The school appealed the decision. During a hearing Wednesday, Ocean Lakes Principal Cheryl Askew presented her side for nearly an hour. The deliberation took another hour. In the end, the committee denied the appeal.

VHSL Executive Director Ken Tilley said, "All facts presented were carefully considered by the appeals committee. After deliberation, the committee arrived at a decision that it deemed fair and equitable under the rules and procedures of the League."

In response to the decision, Principal Askew wrote, "I anticipate the inevitable question: Where does Ocean Lakes go from here? Our answer: The Dolphins will continue to play great football, pure and simple. Despite what is now their official record, their prowess is undeniable. Some have asked me if the required forfeiture is going to hurt individuals' chances of scholarships or playing football in college. My answer has been and remains, 'no'."

This is a developing story. Stay with WAVY.com and WAVY News 10 for the latest.

On the web:

Read the complete VHSL committee's statement

Read Principal Askew's response