The Florida High School Athletic Association will appeal a court decision last week that allowed Boca Ciega High School basketball player Marquel Brooks a fifth year of eligibility to play basketball.
Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Anthony Rondolino ruled Jan. 9 that an economic hardship cost Brooks a year of eligibility. Brooks was on the varsity basketball team at Gibbs High School as a freshman, but his family had to move to the Boca Ciega school zone because the housing project where they lived was condemned.
The FHSAA contends that Brooks' situation doesn't meet its standard for hardship.
Dan Boyd, associate commissioner for administration at the FHSAA, said if the decision is overturned and he is determined to have been ineligible, the school will have to forfeit all victories and any titles won with Brooks on the court.
