Football powerhouse Bellevue reportedly relies on "diploma mill"

At least 17 players on the Bellevue (Wash.) High School football team have been enrolled in classes at a small private school called The Academic Institute over the last seven years, according to a Seattle Times investigative report. Two former teachers at the school described it as a place with no academic standards, or a "diploma mill" designed to help star athletes remain eligible regardless of academic performance.

Bellevue has won 11 state titles in the last 15 years. Reporters Josh Liebeskind and Mike Baker write that The Academic Institute is located in an office complex. Because it is a private school that does not have a football program, students can play at their district's public school. One player reported using an uncle's address in Bellevue during his freshman year. By his sophomore year, Bellevue head coach Butch Goncharoff reportedly helped the player's family pay rent for an apartment in the Bellevue district.

At least three of Bellevue's notable alumni were enrolled at The Academic Institute: UCLA linebacker Myles Jack, Washington wide receiver Max Richmond and Arizona defensive lineman Marcus Griffin. Several players received financial aid from Bellevue High School boosters, which would be a violation of Washington Interscholastic Activities Association rules.

The report quotes a former starting linemen, who said that players were threatened that if they left the team, they'd lose their scholarships to The Academic Institute. They report that coaches harrassed players, and that school administration cooperated with Bellevue coaches and boosters to support the football-centric culture.

The relationship between Bellevue and The Academic Institute offers little benefit to the players. It robs them of a legitimate education and sets them up for future failure. Even if they make it to NCAA football, it doesn't mean they will play. Several Bellevue alums were delayed in starting their college football careers because the NCAA was already investigating The Academic Institute.