Virginia High School Basketball Coach Suspended For Fielding Unenrolled Players

A Virginia high school basketball coach has been suspended for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year after breaking the state’s rules on player eligibility. The controversy emerged when the suspended head coach fielded non-Edison High School students during a 2024 summer tournament.

In a follow-up investigation, the Fairfax County Public Schools found out that the Virginia High School League sanctioned the tournament. While Edison’s current wins won’t be forfeited, this issue raises questions about the school’s recruitment practices.

BASKETBALL COACH SUSPENDED 🏀
Fairfax County Public Schools is investigating the Edison High boys varsity basketball team after players who don’t even go to school there were able to play in a 2024 summer tournament. Now, there are concerns regarding residency and recruitment. pic.twitter.com/ZDFaN3j5fz

— Sierra Fox (@thesierrafox) January 16, 2025

While Fox 5 reporter Sierra Fox didn’t name the coach, Jillian Smith’s article revealed the suspended coach to be Tre’ Ford. In September 2022, Ford posted on his X/Twitter account:

“This moment is truly a dream come true and I am proud to announce that I am the Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach at Thomas Edison High School. To the entire Edison community and athletics, I promise that you are getting one of the most passionate, caring, hardworking, and dedicated young coaches there is.”

To address the situation, Edison principal Mandy Burke wrote a note to concerned parents regarding the coach’s suspension. The note reads:

“When this information was brought to my attention, I immediately began an investigation in collaboration with the Executive Director of Student Activities and Athletics, Tom Horn. While we have completed our review of the summer 2024 tournament, there are allegations regarding player residency and recruiting that we continue to review.”

“At Edison and across FCPS, we take pride in our work to tirelessly ensure that our athletic programs maintain high ethical standards of sportsmanship and character. This includes continuing our close working relationship with the VHSL.”

However, Edison’s 2024-25 Virginia high school basketball season continues despite the coach’s suspension. As of writing, they have a 7-4 record but lost their last match against Hayfield 69-50. Hayfield is the 21st-best team in the Virginia On3 Composite Team Rankings while Edison is 75^th.