Judge orders MHSAA to reinstate Grand Rapids CC in football playoffs

In a recent court ruling, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has been ordered to reinstate Grand Rapids Catholic Central for the Division 5 football playoffs, according to a statement from the MHSAA. The decision to remove the Cougars from the playoffs came after they were accused of fielding an ineligible player during the 2025-2026 season. However, the MHSAA was not given the chance to present new evidence in their defense and only learned of the court's order late on Friday, October 30.

The Cougars were set to host Comstock Park in the first round of the playoffs, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, with the winning team advancing to the district final. The MHSAA had previously removed the Grand Rapids Catholic Central from the postseason due to the use of an ineligible player in six games during the regular season, which resulted in the forfeiture of five regular-season victories.

The MHSAA claimed they were not provided an opportunity to participate in the legal proceedings and only learned of the court's order late in the day.

Catholic Central argued that the ineligible player enrolled in the school in January 2026, and the MHSAA sent a letter in August confirming their eligibility. The MHSAA renewed its investigation in October after receiving new information about the family's former residence, but the student was held out of the final two games. The MHSAA deemed the player did not meet the required residence change as per the state handbook, leading to their removal from the playoffs.

While the MHSAA disagrees with the court's order and handling of the matter, they respect the legal process and believe the courts will appreciate their input on this important matter. The court has scheduled a show-cause hearing for Friday, November 6, at 9 a.m.