An investigation against a cryptic high school football team was ordered by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday. The team, who played over the weekend on national television, appeared to have no record as a school.
ESPN on Sunday broadcasted the game between Florida powerhouse IMG Academy and Bishop Sycamore. IMG Academy emerged as the winner with a score of 58-0.
Concerns regarding the absence of the most basic identifications of Bishop Sycamore were brought up immediately.
The match forms part of ESPN’s GEICO ESPN High School Football Kickoff series. Even the sports network’s announcers raised their confusion while airing.
According to the records by the Ohio Education Department, Bishop Sycamore is a private school located in Columbus and was listed at an address of 3599 Chiller Lane.
The address has appeared to house an indoor sports training facility called the Resolute Athletic Complex. A man who was contacted on the location has denied that the address was once used as an educational institution.
Records from the Education Department further identify Andre Peterson as the point of contract of the said school. He tried to be contacted but did not answer.
It was also found out that the school also had a match on Friday. This means that they competed several times in a span of 72 hours, which is quite uncommon on any football event.
“Like many Ohioans, I am concerned by the recent reports and questions raised about Bishop Sycamore,” the governor said in a statement, as reported by NBC News. “While this weekend’s football game brought concerns about the health and safety of players, it also raised red flags about the school’s operations.”
“Schools like Bishop Sycamore have an obligation under Ohio law to meet certain minimum standards. Whether Bishop Sycamore meets these standards is not clear. I have asked the Ohio Department of Education to conduct an investigation into Bishop Sycamore to ensure compliance with Ohio law and to ensure the school is providing the educational opportunities Ohio students deserve,” he continued.
Paragon Marketing Group, a third party, has served as the game organizer. Its president Rashid Ghazi said that the group would help with the investigation.