The game was held at Cherry Hill East High School, a neutral site for both teams. Teachers told KIRO 7 Eastside Catholic has buses that bring students who live far away to Eastside Catholic to play football -- with tuition paid for through the Independent School Association. As for SLED, as of Thursday afternoon the statewide agency had not received a formal request from any local or federal law enforcement agency or subdivision of the state to assist in any investigation related to Thornblade, per spokesman Tommy Crosby. 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. We came to Eastside on a very big lie.". Ortiz left Somerset and moved in with the Rodriguezes in their apartment in downtown Paterson. The Camden City School District said Friday that both teams have been withdrawn from the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state tournament. But when she landed in Queens, Ejiofor was dealt an immediate and unimaginable surprise: North Carolina was out and she was headed to New Jersey and a school called Paterson Eastside. Things have been eerily quiet in the South Carolina Upstate over the last few weeks as it relates to the Thornblade saga a host of alleged scandals centered around an upscale neighborhood and exclusive golf club located in the suburbs of Greenville, S.C. And quiet is just how the wealthy, influential local citizens at the heart of these scandals hope things will stay . A few minutes later, the emcee hummed a few bars from "The Final Countdown" as a basketball-shaped mascot with a cowboy hat and bushy moustache made its grand entrance. 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. The report painted a grim picture of an emotionally distressed and helpless teenager, thousands of miles from home. I could have done something to help that kid," Olson continued. VIDEO: Eastside Catholic HS teachers quit Classes could be delayed at a high school sports power house after more than a dozen teachers walked off the job. undefined Paterson Eastside High School basketball scandal From news that six overseas players were living with the boys coach to the discovery of an international pipeline funneling. "Over there if you're that tall, you're like a monster. Since our first story on Thornblade ran last week, we have been bombarded with tips related to these various allegations. Those tests were part of a 50-step corrective action plan implemented by Paterson Public Schools in the aftermath of the scandal that resulted in Eastsides basketball teams being banned from this years state tournament as well as the dismissals and suspensions of several athletic department staff members. A fight broke out during the Camden County Tournament championship game between Camden High School and Eastside High School. That's room and board, she has to eat and that takes money. Here's why, This is just tip of iceberg, senator says in demanding full probe, Eastside girls team out of states, multiple suspensions announced, Troubling new questions, including concerns of human trafficking, broadside Eastside boys and girls programs, Season's over: Eastside boys pull out of Passaic County Tournament, The (many!) Ejiofor lived there with other Eastside girls and boys basketball players from Nigeria, including Juliet James and ThankGod Okenwa, according to school documents obtained by NJ Advance Media. Another school board member, Emmanuel Capers, said he still believes the actions taken as a result of the news stories were excessive. And she announced on social media late last month that she verbally has committed to Oregon State, a Top 10 Division 1 program. And that consensual sex acts between individuals of consenting age are, well, consensual.. What if they came knocking on the door?". Now, the state is taking a closer look at how they got here. It is not immediately clear, although some light was recently shed on the case when Greenville, S.C. insurance marketing executiveRick Mathewsissued a statement related to his recent divorce fromJennifer Mathews who runs a yoga and pilates studio in Greenville. "I should have been properly advised by those (at the school) and told the implications because I didn't even know I was out of status. NJ Advance Media staff writer Matt Stypulkoski contributed to this report. A big shakeup happened at Eastside Catholic after two principals were fired and 13 faculty members quit in protest. When the member refused to pay his monthly dues, his wife was reportedly provided with video evidence of her husbands infidelity. He waved sheepishly when his name was called at a press conference for the Vaqueros de Bayamon. Soon, he said, the coach began ostracizing him during practice. Ejiofor said the Jordans "did (their) best to make sure I was okay and comfortable. He called her a "no-misser" talent-wise, but said "my heart goes out to the kid. 2023 Cox Media Group. VIDEO: Eastside Catholic HS teachers quit Classes could be delayed at a high school sports power house after more than a dozen teachers walked off the job. The USSS and HSI investigations are ongoing. 3 Ghosts (24-5 . We had faith. Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. In April 2015, the teenager moved to New Jersey, using a visa issued for a New York-based private school, the document said. 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. WHEN/WHERE: Monday, 4:30 p.m., at No. Here's why. But the school district later decided not to pursue those charges. The districts status update on the plan says none of its employees reported taking transfer students into their homes or becoming their guardians. The decision was made yesterday to reverse these changes and go back to the previous structure. Once in the mainland United States, Ortiz slept on piles of laundry and cold floors, while Rodriguez lived with a stranger who openly used drugs. NJSIAA officials say they will take action in wake of NJ Advance Media's reporting. *Troubling new questions, including concerns of human trafficking, broadside Eastside boys and girls programs. "When I asked why I wasn't going to North Carolina, I was told that I didn't have a ready host family," Ejiofor said in a conversation over social media. 0:49. Search for New Jersey classmates, friends, family, and memories in one of the largest collections of Online Univeristy, College, Military, and High School Yearbook images and photos! If you have difficulty accessing information on our website due to a disability, contact Ms. Green, Director of Operations, at mgreen@www.metscharterschool.org or (201) 526-8500 ext. 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. Once students fake their way in, do the parents keep paying to have someone fix the tests they take in class? Olson, the recruiting analyst, said he watched Aquino play twice in January and marveled over her agility for a player of her size. Frame. 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 . In her resignation letter teacher Lisa Abraham wrote, "Justyna stands up for each, individual student. Our current administrative structure has been undergoing some review and change. But Aquino's living situation deteriorated soon after she was brought to Paterson, according to coaches and the school report. 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. A care package loaded with supplies from his mother, sent to the address in Somerset, never appeared, either. Some of these Disciples are members at the Thornblade club, we are told. When I think about even if it was just 50 students whose parents cheated for them, those 50 spots could have actually gone to someone who gained those positions.. "On the patio, in the kitchen and we'd have to pick her up and bring her upstairs. Alberto Maldonado sat down with NJ Advance Media for a revealing and wide-ranging Q&A Tuesday. Follow him on Twitter @MattStanmyre. Ortiz arrived in Paterson unexpectedly in 2012. "She's obviously confused and doesn't understand what's going on. He did not stick around for answers. He was benched for a first-round state playoff game, and the reason seemed almost too cruel to believe. What sort of proximity are we talking about? The school board president at the time, Chris Irving, had said Johnson was being forced to retire as punishment. Got a tip for a story? Same goes for any attempt at blackmail. From the beginning of our coverage, we have been focused on three distinct Thornblade-related scandals: 1) Allegations of embezzlement involving the neighborhood golf club, 2) allegations of a prostitution ring (or sex ring) involving several Thornblade residents, and 3) allegations involving an athletics team at a government-run high school in nearby Taylors, S.C. which are said to be somehow connected to the prostitution/ sex ring accusations. The injured boy is 16 years old. Eastside Catholic later issued the following statement: "Thank you for your interest in our school. They had SAT preps and the older girl was a senior in high school, and theyd use her old tests to study, and they would hire private tutors for them.. See the documents. We have now invited the administrators and faculty to rejoin us on the first day of school. Coaches from the powerhouse Paterson Eastside's boys basketball team served as legal guardians to six playersand had them living in their homes. 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. For Andrea and fellow Boyle Heights Beat reporters, news of the $25-million college entrance racketeering scandal hit like a gut punch. A furious Edwin Rodriguez -- who said he sent more than $60,000 to Paterson in two years for rent, food, clothing and other expenses -- moved his sons to another apartment in the fall of 2012. My mom, shes a housekeeper and she used to work at a house in the Palisades, and the lady had kids and was very school-oriented, said Azucena Hilario, a Bravo junior. Father Heric was appointed to be interim president after the previous president, John Kennedy, resigned over the summer. So these guys got her over here and then everybody dropped the ball on her.". ", *The key players in Eastside scandal, fallout. Aquino, now 18, also has blossomed on the court and will debut this month in ESPN's national Top 10 player rankings for the Class of 2018, according to Dan Olson, a girls basketball recruiting analyst. "Especially because it was our kids who had to suffer the most because of this.. Under his suspension, Lyde is eligible to resume coaching the Eastside girls team next season. WHAT TO KNOW: After winning Saturday's sectional semifinal at No. The police investigated the incident as an alleged gang rape. Griles, who played professionally in Puerto Rico and owned businesses there, told the family Rodriguez would get to face Towns, who played scholastically at St. Joseph's in Metuchen, and prove he was better. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Jio Fontan, a former Sparks coach and now the head coach at Queen of Peace High, said he worked closely with Aquino early in her New Jersey stay. "I am the one who has missed out (on) a school.". From news that sixoverseas players were living with the boys coach to the discovery of an international pipeline funneling athletes to Paterson since 2013 and the waves of fallout pounding the school and its officials, here's the reporting of Steve Politi and Matt Stanmyre: *The Fast Break: How final 2 players escaped Eastside. She deserves this opportunity. But Esteban, who admits crying when he read the first story about the Eastside scandal, said Selwyn was . Phone 770-784-2920 | Fax 770-784-2918. The high and mighty went as low as they could go, and it did not play well in Boyle Heights. The college scouts never came, either. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The school will be known as Eastside High School effective the 2022-2023 school year, which begins in the fall, following a vote during Tuesday evening's board of education meeting. The ongoing drama tied to this upscale Upstate neighborhood which was first reported by this news outlet a week ago has been dominating discussions in the greater Greenville, S.C. area. "I used to play great players that are already in the NBA. "It's very unfortunate that she's caught up in the middle of something like this.". Viewer discretion is advised. Boys and girls teams face state tournament bans. We just had one get into the University of Oregon, but I dont know if theyll be able to afford it, Kelley said. He plays wheelchair basketball, he said, hoping for a scholarship. *African players are flocking to top N.J. basketball teams. I didn't really get into her family situation or where she was staying.". Coaches Juan Griles, Alberto Maldonado, and supervisor of athletics Gregory Co Ejiofor, then 15, had made her own arrangements, navigating the complicated immigration process. In the meantime, we are told half of Greenville is lawyered up in response to our ongoing reporting on the Thornblade saga prompting several of our sources to warn us to be careful how we proceed. While membership obviously had its privileges, the club apparently had a strict no cancellation policy. We had hope," said Selwyn's older brother, Esteban, who joined him in Paterson at their father's insistence. Thanks To Our Sponsors. Selwyn's knee healed, but his relationship with the coach never did. Eileen Shafer, the schools superintendent, submitted a status report on the 50-step plan to the New Jersey Board of Education during a recent meeting in Trenton. *Fired coach wonders: How did I become guardian for 7-foot Nigerian player? *State vows to crack down on international player recruiting. 2023 www.northjersey.com. 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. 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. Community Forums on the 2023-2024 District Budget Tuesday, February 28 th, 6 p.m. - Virtual Forum hosted by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) CLICK HERE to join the virtual forum.. Wednesday, March 1st, 6 p.m. International High School auditorium, 200 Grand St., or CLICK HERE to watch the live stream.. Thursday, March 2nd, 6 p.m. Eastside High School, 150 Park Ave. or Furthermore, we have argued (controversially) that school officials caught having sex with students who have attained the age of consent should not be charged criminally. Off the court, Ejiofor said she lived in a home on East 22nd Street owned by Shirley Jordan, whose daughter, Natalie, is a district teacher and an Eastside track coach. A second male student then appears on screen and states, "Remember, *explicit removed* the Mexicans. Similarly, it is unclear whether the USSS investigation into Thornblade is tied to the alleged credit card fraud or some of the more illicit, sexually charged allegations. Ortiz grew desperate. Some of the Sparks' coaches also are on the Eastside girls staff. Support NJ.com, Matthew Stanmyre and Steve Politi | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, Juan Griles, the basketball coach at Eastside. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Neither do we. Our number one objective at the district is to raise students that meet the standards that we set for society and that we want our very own children to embody.Nevertheless, last night, at the Cherry Hill High School East gym those standards were severely undermined by an incident between Camden High School and Eastside High School during the championship game of the Camden County Basketball Tournament.Let me be clear, I am saddened and disappointed with the conflict from last night, but I believe we need to make this a learning experience for our student body.Furthermore, we know meaningful action must be taken and it must be done swiftly which is why the District will be withdrawing both teams from NJSIAA tournament play.This initiative is being taken to ensure that our scholar-athletes know that accountability for their actions is paramount not only in basketball but also in the larger game of life. *School suspends hoops coach who had 6 overseas players living with him. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); "Americas government since 1989 from top to bottom has been Thornblade Saga: Internal Affairs Investigation At Greenville County Sheriffs Office, Charleston Democrats Fret Over Former Republican Seeking Local Office On Their Ticket, Washington DC Protesters Target Lindsey Graham Over Supreme Court Vote, #SC2018: James Smith Touts Poll Showing His Viability, Bamberg SC Detention Center Officer Arrested Following Alleged Assault On Inmate, Mark Powells Palmetto Past & Present: Lost Confederate Gold, Ron Paul: The Anti-War Movement Roars Back To Life. He asked to play with the junior varsity just to prove he belonged. Once there, the mission began to crystallize. The connection was facilitated by Henry Ugboaja, the director of a prominent camp in Nigeria. On Saturday morning at the Boyle Heights Beat, a student-run journalism operation, the hot topic was the college entrance cheating scandal and how . (Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com). Our sources also tell us not all of the sex acts currently under the law enforcement microscope were necessarily consensual which would be criminal under any circumstances. ", Christian Ortiz (backwards hat) and Selwyn Rodriguez (far right) chat outside the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Puerto Rico. Father Heric and the board co-chairs told teachers, the principals were fired due to restructuring. "You gotta call her coach and whoever. The video recording was sent via Snapchat to a lot of their buddies at Eastside Catholic and other Eastside high schools. Thats not their job. 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