Coach appealing 2009 FHSAA ruling
Former Boca Raton football coach Eddie Giersbrook, who was fired in 2009 after the state’s athletic association alleged he illegally recruited his star quarterback, is appealing that ruling — nearly a decade later.
The appeal, filed to the Florida High School Athletic Association on Oct. 18 by Lawlor & Associates in Boca Raton, claims that Giersbrook was denied due process and his right to appeal when the verdict was handed down.
According to the appeal, the FHSAA sent its final determination to Boca Raton principal Geoff McKee on June 25, 2009, which stated that Giersbrook and the school were guilty of illegally recruiting quarterback Eddie Sullivan and his brother John from Park Vista High School.
The appeal says Giersbrook wasn’t copied on the letter and never made aware of his right to appeal the decision within 10 business days. Pat Lawlor, Giersbrook’s attorney, said that since his client was not afforded his due process under FHSAA bylaws, the appeal is timely and should be heard by the FHSAA. Lawlor said he wasn’t made aware of the issue until a couple of weeks ago, when the former coach showed him some of the documents.
“We want an opportunity to present his appeal and refute the findings,” Lawlor said. “There were multiple contradictions throughout the investigation and the accusations were meritless and baseless.”
“It’s been hanging over his head, and he’s never had a chance to formerly address those issues and clear his name.”
Lawlor said Giersbrook’s name has been tarnished in the community, which has prevented him from getting another head coaching position. Giersbrook continues to work as a gym teacher at Boca Raton High.
FHSAA spokesperson Kyle Niblett confirmed the state received the appeal but declined comment on the matter.
Lawlor says Giersbrook never recruited Sullivan from Park Vista prior to the 2008 season and that the player came on his own. According to the appeal, Sullivan “indicated that he was possibly seeking to change schools” in January of 2008. After rumors circulated that he might be transferring, he and his brother began getting harassed by “players, teachers and the football staff ” at Park Vista.
Sullivan’s parents subsequently filed a student reassignment application and requested to be reassigned to Boca Raton High. The school district later granted that request.
During the 2008 season, Sullivan threw for 2,200 yards and 29 touchdowns, helping lead the Bobcats to an 8-3 record and an appearance in the Class 4A regional quarterfinals. Sullivan later signed to play collegiately at Marshall.
In December 2008, the FHSAA assigned an investigator to determine whether Boca Raton committed any recruiting violations with Sullivan. Giersbrook was fired as the Bobcats’ head coach on March 24, 2009, by McKee, before the final ruling was handed down.
McKee, who now serves as an assistant superintendent, is facing an open investigation from the Palm Beach County School District that pertains to “adherence of administrative protocols and procedures in his previous role as Principal of Boca Raton High School.” McKee was temporarily reassigned to the transportation division two weeks ago, pending the outcome of the investigation.
It is unclear if that is at all related to the situation involving Giersbrook.
In June 2009, Boca Raton was forced to forfeit all games that Eddie and John Sullivan participated in during the 2008 season, and the program was placed on two years administrative probation and fined $5,000 after violating recruiting bylaws and policies.
wdusenbury@sun-sentinel .com Twitter @dusereport