Valdosta Wildcats football fined, banned from 2021 postseason

On Tuesday morning, the Georgia High School Association sent a letter of recommendation to Valdosta High School informing them of sanctions against their football program that include a $7,500 fine, forfeiture of several 2020 victories, a 2021 postseason ban and several players have been ruled ineligible to play high school football in Georgia for the next season.

The announcement comes following the GHSA's investigation into a secretly recorded conversation between Valdosta head football coach, Rush Prospt and a former booster club executive director Michael Nelson in which Propst stated that he was in need of "funny money" to help cover the cost of living expenses for players and their families that wanted to play with the program.

After initial reports of the conversation, Propst was placed on administrative leave back in March as the GHSA began to look into the allegations. GHSA executive director, Dr. Robin Hines did confirm the penalties placed on Valdosta, however stated that he would not be able to make any further comments until the appellate process is complete as it is expected for VHS to appeal the sanctions.