The Cookeville boys’ basketball team is looking for answers from the TSSAA after senior point guard Andre Bell was declared ineligible for the 2020-2021 season.
Bell transferred from Upperman to Cookeville for academic reasons, according to CHS head coach Josh Heard, but the TSSAA denied his hardship waiver and ultimate appeal without releasing an explanation.
“It’s a tough situation for an awesome young man,” said Heard. “He’s totally dedicated to getting himself graduated. He worked with the teachers here all summer. There were times when he missed basketball workouts so he could work on classes. He put himself in a situation where he would be able to graduate this year.”
The TSSAA denied UCR’s request for comment on the issue, stating “We do not comment on hardships, as the information submitted in them contains information about minors, and if it was an appeal to the Board, that is in executive session for the same reasons.”
Bell, who was slated to be a starter for the Cavs, will now have to watch from the sideline.
Heard said CHS provided documents proving the transfer was for academic reasons, after Bell’s original hardship waiver was denied, but the appeal was still denied.
“The documentation we had from both schools was solid,” said Heard. “For him to be told he’s ineligible and not be given a reason, that’s just not right. I feel for that family, but even more so, I feel for that young man. He had his last year of high school basketball taken away.”
Heard said the TSSAA has provided no information to him, Bell or the school on how the decision was met. He added Cookeville provided documents from both schools showing why the transfer was needed and occurred.
Heard said he wants an explanation from the TSSAA and an opportunity to plead Bell’s case.
“I just know as a coach of this young man, and as a human being, I can’t agree with this decision,” said Heard. “There was clearly a reason for this move.”
UCR will update this story with any new developments as they become available.