Catholic High School in Baton Rouge has vacated its 2017 and 2020 state football championships after the LHSAA determined they violated rules that occurred in 2017 as a result of an investigation that began in March. WBRZ-TV sports reporter Matt Trent said he’s learned that inappropriate contact occurred with athletes.
“Basically there were things going on with some open houses and visibility issues at games, coaches were told hey I want you to go here and do this and I want you to get these kids to an open house,” Trent said.
While this punishment stems from numerous recruiting violations, Trent said that more violations could have occurred.
“It’s not just recruiting it was other things. I had heard impermissible benefits, I had heard falsifying of documents for kids to have less of a financial burden to come to Catholic and play,” Trent said.
Gabe Fertitta was the head coach of the Bears during their run to four straight championship games in 2017 and 2020. He resigned from Catholic in February and joined the University of Louisville coaching staff. Trent said Fertitta told him he did not know about these allegations.
“That is what he told me yesterday and I think we have to stick with that until Gabe puts out an official statement that says otherwise,” Trent said.
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