Alzheimer's All-Star Basketball Classic MVPs Matt Ehlers, Jazmynn Julien return checks to avoid violating amateur status rule

Consider it a close call and a lesson learned.

Junior Matt Ehlers of Bay Shore and senior Jazmynn Julien of Whitman were honored with the gold MVP awards at the 16th annual Alzheimer’s All-Star Basketball Classic on Saturday afternoon in Hempstead.

Both players received a trophy and a check for $200. Neither player realized that accepting the check was a violation of a New York State Public High School Athletic Association rule that prohibits an athlete from accepting compensation.

“They inadvertently accepted a cash prize and that is in violation of the rules of the National Federation of High Schools,” said Tom Combs, the executive director for Section XI, which governs all Suffolk school sports. “Once they were informed that it was a violation of their amateur status, both players returned the respective checks.”

Gordon Thomas founded the event in 2010 in memory of his father, Suffolk County detective John Edward Thomas, Sr., who died from the disease. Thomas said he was unaware the check was a violation of the rules.

"I was under the impression that as long as it was under $500 it was OK," Thomas said. "I would never put a student-athlete in jeopardy of losing eligibility. It was the first time that I wanted to add a little flavor to the awards and it was just supposed to be a nice gesture. I apologize if it caused any issues."

According to the NYSPHSAA rule, cash, checks or other compensation, including gift cards and gift certificates, are not allowed. Only awards or prizes having a monetary value of $500 or less are approved. 

"The amateur rule is very clear in the handbook," said Robert Zayas, the executive director of the NYSPHSAA. "Accepting money or other compensation is prohibited. Only awards or prizes with a monetary value of $500 or less will be approved. We review this rule every single year with every athletic director."

The 6-7 Ehlers scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Suffolk beat Nassau, 107-98. He was told immediately following the game that he could not keep the check.

“I found out right after the game that I’m not allowed to accept a check as an award,” Ehlers said. “I gave the check back to Mr. Thomas and said thanks anyway. I had no idea it would be a violation of my amateur status. I’m glad someone told me.”

Chris Agostino, the director of athletics for the Bay Shore School District, said, “Once we were told that accepting the check would jeopardize Matt’s eligibility, we immediately returned the check that night. As a whole, we as coaches and administrators need to educate our students about eligibility requirements and things they cannot do and/or accept. We’re grateful it was dealt with and didn’t cause a problem.”

Julien returned her check to Dave Barth, the director of athletics for the South Huntington School District.

“I spoke to her parents, and they immediately returned the check,” Barth said. “I confirmed with Tom Combs and we’re all good. The lesson learned here is for everyone to be proactive and let our student-athletes know what is legal and not legal.”
Combs confirmed that both checks were returned and both athletes' amateur status was reinstated.

“It’s a good thing they never cashed those checks," Combs said.
 

By Gregg Sarra

gregg.sarra@newsday.com@Gregg_Sarra

Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.