Stiffer penalties possible from Chief Sealth's recruiting violations

The Sea-King District on Monday will review numerous recruiting violations by the Chief Sealth High School girls basketball team, deciding whether to impose stiffer penalties against the team.

Last month, the Metro League ruled that the team should not have to forfeit any games. Forfeiture could have led to the nationally ranked team losing the state titles it won this year and last.

The Sea-King District board meeting will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the Sammamish High School library, 100 140th Ave. S.E. Bellevue. It is open to the public, but people won't be able to comment, said Tom Doyle, the district's secretary.

The board's 13 voting members will review the Metro League's decision and decide whether to approve it or impose penalties beyond a recommended two-year probation. The probation allows the team to compete in games and tournaments unless there are new recruiting violations.

The Seattle School District began investigating Chief Sealth after The Seattle Times reported Feb. 15 that the team's three coaches had recruited girls for more than three years with promises of starting spots, college scholarships and other benefits, including offers of fake lease agreements so parents could enroll their daughters at the school without having to move from the suburbs.

The Sea-King District comprises five leagues, including the Metro League. The district's decision can be appealed to the executive board of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, which governs high-school athletics in the state.