RB Hayes-Patrick eligible again
Winter Park running back Peter Hayes-Patrick, who had been declared ineligible after transferring from Timber Creek, had his eligibility immediately restored Sunday by the FHSAA.
Winter Park running back Peter Hayes-Patrick, who had previously been declared ineligible after transferring from Orlando Timber Creek High, was cleared by the Florida High School Athletic Association at a hearing Sunday.
Patrick, the brother of FSU running back Jacques Patrick, will have his eligibility immediately restored and his first game will be played against his former school Timber Creek on Friday night.
Hayes-Patrick, one of the top running backs in the Orlando area for the class of 2019, had rushed for more than 2,000 yards during his first three years at Timber Creek, but he then decided to transfer to Winter Park for his senior season.
Four other Timber Creek players also transferred to Winter Park, and all of those players have also had their eligibility restored by the FHSAA.
“Throughout the entire FHSAA administrative process all four Winter Park High School boys and their families were extremely frustrated,” Hayes-Patrick attorney Kevin McCann said in a statement released to the Orlando Sentinel.
“False allegations of possible recruitment violations were originally presented to the FHSAA merely because these boys decided to relocate, transfer schools, and ultimately participate in a different football program.
“Of course, those recruitment allegations were determined to be unfounded, but unfortunately these four boys found themselves facing other unsubstantiated allegations with little to no evidence to support those allegations.
“The FHSAA has a thorough appeal process to contest FHSAA allegations, and we are grateful to the FHSAA that all four boys had the opportunity to clear their names and get their eligibility reinstated. Despite the weeks of uncertainty and frustration, we are ecstatic that the system worked for these boys.”
“Peter would like to express his deepest appreciation for all the people who supported him throughout this ordeal, especially his extremely supportive mother who stood by his side from the onset.”
Defensive lineman Nick Jackson, though his eligibility was briefly in question, was never declared ineligible and he has been on the team since the spring.
Senior receiver Kendall Innis had his eligibility restored, but he has since been injured.
Senior defensive back Brendon Lightsey had his eligibility restored following the initial appeals hearing and he was in the Winter Park lineup two weeks ago.
Senior defensive tackle Anthony Nixon recently had his eligibility restored and he played this past Friday night.
Hayes-Patrick, who has more than 10 FBS scholarship offers, was the last remaining player involved in the FHSAA and Orange County Public Schools investigation, and in all the 6-foot, 195-pound running back missed the first five games due to the controversy.
He is ranked as the No. 12 player overall in the Sentinel’s 2019 Central Florida Super60.
“I am excited that the FHSAA provided me the opportunity to clear my name,” Hayes-Patrick said in a statement released by his attorney. “Now that this misunderstanding is over, I plan on moving on and focusing on football. I look very forward to Friday’s game against Timber Creek High School, and I will have no further comment on this matter.”