Seasons end abruptly for Hamtramck High School football, soccer teams after players found ineligible

Players in violation of MHSAA rules

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – The seasons for two Hamtramck High School teams ended abruptly when players were found ineligible to play.

The soccer team had to vacate its seasons after school officials found that a player was ineligible to play in accordance with Michigan High School Athletic Association academic rules. The football team also had to vacate its season after a player was found ineligible.

The football team qualified for the playoffs for the first time ever this season, but had to forfeit all of its wins. Players on both teams are upset about what happened.

"I felt heartbroken. All that work for what? Administration problem. And they take it out on the kids," Mehmed Donlic, who is the soccer team's senior goalkeeper, said.

Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Tom Niczay said it's the job of the athletic director to check players' eligibility to play.

"It's not their fault. It's our jobs as adults to know the rules," he said.

Niczay said athletic director Marty Kirby resigned after the football incident.

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About the Authors:

Jamie anchors sports coverage on Local 4 News Saturdays at 6 & 11 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m., in addition to hosting Sports Final Edition.