Katy High School baseball players accused of coaching for money

KATY (FOX 26) - Fox 26 News learned Friday the Katy High School varsity baseball team is being investigated for a possible infraction of University Interscholastic League rules. The results could be heartbreaking for the team that has had an very successful season so far.

Katy Tiger baseball started out with 18 straight wins. The team's record is 21-2 now, but it may not matter any more because of the seriousness of the infractions.

A source tells Fox 26 that two players are believed to have accepted money to coach younger players. The source says as much as $800 exchanged hands.

Friday Katy High School Athletic Director Gary Goseph confirmed to Fox 26 that the investigation "pertains to rules about amateur status and eligibility."

According to the UIL, the possible violations were self-reported by Katy High School. If it is determined players excepted money for their baseball talents, they technically become professionals, making them ineligible to play. It's possible that any game that the players were involved in, after accepting money, would have to be forfeited. Joseph did admit to Fox 26 the team's season is in jeopardy.

The District Executive Committee for 19-6A schools will hold a meeting Friday, April 22nd about the alleged infractions, and will determine if any penalty will be handed down.

It was just December when the Katy Tigers football team also ran afoul of UIL rules. It was during the state playoffs, but board members found the infraction too minor the stop the team's season. The Tigers went on to win the state football championship.

Tiger baseball appeared on its way at least to the state playoffs as well. The team is ranked 17th nationally according to MaxPreps. But, if the committee affirms that violations did occur, it could dash the hopes of the playoffs for the entire team.

Ironically, Joseph told Fox 26 that coming this August 31st the rule that may have been broken here will be dropped off the books.