LITTLE ROCK — Mineral Springs used an ineligible player this season, but it won't affect its position in the playoffs.
According to Arkansas Activities Association Executive Director Lance Taylor, a three-and-a-half day investigation concluded that Mineral Springs used an ineligible player during its 2011 campaign. However, despite knowing for some time that the violation was committed, teams with knowledge of it didn't turn in the team.
Some schools have known since "about the middle of September" according to Taylor. However, the teams did not report the violation within the five-day window after discovering it.
Therefore, the Hornets will be allowed to continue on to the playoffs as the No. 2 seed out of the 2A-7 Conference, but the ineligible player will not be allowed to play.
Section 4, Rule 1 states that "any authorized representative of a member school or involved game official may file a complaint against any school or school representative for a violation of the rules and regulations of this association. Such complaint shall be filed with the executive director of the Arkansas Activities Association in writing within five working days after the discovery of the violation."
Per AAA policy, Taylor declined to give the name of the ineligible player. Messages left with Mineral Springs coach Vince Perrin were not returned Monday afternoon.
According to sources, the player in question transferred to Mineral Springs from Nashville and didn't sit out the AAA-mandated probationary period. Nashville coach Tim Perry referred all questions about the situation to the school's superintendent, Doug Graham, who did not return phone calls left by ArkansasOnline.
Mineral Springs is slated to play Poyen, the No. 5-seed out of the 2A-5 Conference, Friday at home.