A Berlin High School student who was named ineligible by the CIAC because of his residency said he is in fact eligible.
NBC Connecticut sat down with Gage Davis and his mother, Liza. Davis is one of 4 players who have been named ineligible by the CIAC after an independent investigation into ineligible players and recruitment. The findings lead to head coach John Capodice’s suspension.
Liza says her son has never been recruited by any staff member at the Berlin High School Football program and coaches have never had an influence on him residing in Berlin.
When NBC Connecticut went to Davis’ home, we saw a fully furnished home. We even interviewed Gage in his room.
He says he hasn’t been back to school since Tuesday.
“I don’t feel really too comfortable going back to school with everything that is going on and I just feel a little weird,” said the sophomore running back.
Gage said he has lived at his Berlin home with his grandfather since May 2014. Liza said her son comes to visit her in Middletown. She said the CIAC’s findings are wrong about her son’s residency in Berlin.
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“They said that this home was vacant clearly it’s not. We’ve invited them into the home to see where Gage lives. They declined,” said Liza.
We reached out to get the full report from the CIAC. They referred us to the school system, which has yet to get back with us.
Liza said her son attends Berlin High School because they’ve had other family members who have attended, as well, and have loved the school.
Liza said if her son is wrongfully accused and not allowed back on the team she could file suit.
“I’m speaking to an attorney so if there’s found any wrong doing there’s going to be consequences.”
Berlin High School faces New Britain in their final game at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium at 7 PM.
Since Capodice’s suspension, the team will be coached by assistant Coach, Rob Levesque. The team was 7-2 before the CIAC sanctions were placed on them, which included disqualifying any wins that included any of the four players. The team is now 0-9.
