We've heard some horror stories over the years of overbearing sports parents going to unheard of lengths to influence their kids, but few would match what's alleged in a lawsuit filed by Simeon Career Academy parents against the Illinois High School Association.
According to the lawsuit, a parent of a player on Nazareth Academy dressed like an official in an attempt to influence the Class 7A quarterfinal between the two teams on Nov. 10. Nazareth won the game, 34-27.
The suit alleged that the parent was not an assigned official for the game but wore his uniform and communicated with the actual game officials.
Via The Chicago Tribune:
"The lawsuit alleges a parent of a player from Nazareth wore his referee uniform and was involved in calls the referee crew made though he was not officiating the Nov. 10 game. The father was also seen alongside referees in an area where only officials are supposed to be.
"On Facebook, the father responded to criticism of him being involved in the game by saying, 'I did what was needed to make sure Naz won,' according to screenshots included in the lawsuit.
"In another comment, the father tells someone, 'I didn't make one bad call. I made sure the best team won.'"
The parent, listed as Richard Mercado, could be seen on the sideline wearing what appeared to be referee pants.
Source: Read Full Article