Bozeman sanctioned for ‘self-reported’ FHSAA violation

SAND HILLS, Fla. (WMBB) – The FHSAA has imposed a sanction upon the Bozeman football program for a ‘self-reported’ violation involving an ineligible transfer athlete this summer.

The Bucks received over a dozen players from North Bay Haven this off-season as a result of the Buccaneers’ firing their head coach in the spring.

The sanctions imposed by the FHSAA include a one-game suspension of first-year head coach, Bronson Sweatt, and a $2,600 fine.

Sweatt will serve the one-game suspension in the Buck’s Preseason Kickoff Classic hosting Cottondale on Friday, August 16.

Below is the full statement by Bozeman Principal Ivan Beach sent out on Thursday, August 15:

“ As Principal of Deane Bozeman School, I want to address the recent FHSAA sanction imposed on our football program. This sanction followed our voluntary disclosure of an unfortunate oversight where an ineligible student-athlete participated in a football practice earlier this summer. I want to extend our sincere apologies for this lapse in adherence to FHSAA regulations.

“ While the student is now fully enrolled, and our rookie coach has accepted complete responsibility for this mistake, we recognize the importance of maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of our school’s operations. Bozeman has always prided itself on fostering a culture of integrity, good citizenship, and accountability. We are committed to learning from this incident and have already implemented measures to ensure such an oversight does not occur in the future. We remain dedicated to upholding the values that make our school a beacon of excellence, both on and off the field.”

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