Bishop Sycamore: Top ranked schools canceling after ESPN debacle

Bishop Sycamore stole the headlines of ESPN’s High School Football Kickoff, despite falling 58-0 to IMG Academy. After a disturbingly lopsided game was aired on ESPN’s networks, an investigation was launched into who the coaches and players at this Columbus, Ohio based prep school. Multiple reports about the program, spearheaded by an investigative piece from USA Today, have led the nation’s top prep schools to remove Bishop Sycamore from the schedule.

Among other lies, Bishop Sycamore told ESPN and its future opponents that it possessed a number of top prospects. That was not the case. Instead, reports indicate that multiple players on the field were in their 20’s.

“Bishop Sycamore told us they had a number of Division I prospects on their roster, and to be frank, a lot of that, we could not verify,” Anish Shroff said during the ESPN broadcast. “They did not show up in our database, they did not show up in the databases of other recruiting services. So, OK, that’s what you’re telling us, fine, that’s how we take it in. From what we’ve seen so far, this is not a fair fight. And there’s got to be a point where you’re worried about health and safety.”

Bishop Sycamore coach Roy Johnson was let go by the school this week, following reports he was facing an active warrant and civil lawsuits. Beyond the issues on the field, Bishop Sycamore’s status as an accredited school is also up for debate. Inconsistent answers and contrasting information cloud the picture.

Johnson Central (Kentucky)

Johnson Central canceled its matchup against Bishop Sycamore that was previously scheduled for this Friday in Paintsville, KY. The school confirmed the report through the its Twitter.

“We have informed them (Bishop Sycamore) that we are not playing the game Friday night,” Johnson Central principal Justin Arms told KSR on Tuesday.

A new opponent has not been announced at this time. Johnson Central did not play last week due to COVID-19 protocols.

“I can assure you that it’s not going (to happen) going forward,” Arms said about scheduling Bishop Sycamore.

Duncanville (Texas)

Duncanville also cancelled its upcoming game with Bishop Sycamore within the last 24 hours, according to the Dallas Mornings News’ Greg Riddle. The game was initially scheduled for Sept. 10.

“Student safety is our top priority, and I can’t ask our student athletes to take the field next week without knowing more about who they will be facing,” Duncanville athletic director Dwight Weaver said in a statement, via the Dallas Morning News. “Our school district’s core values speak to honesty, integrity, ethics and providing a safe environment for students. This situation calls into question many of those values, so we are canceling this game.”