The Long Beach Unified School District has concluded an internal investigation into transfer rule violations involving seven athletes from Long Beach Poly High School, resulting in significant penalties for three football coaches, including the removal of head coach Justin Utupo. The investigation confirmed violations of CIF rule 202, which mandates that all transfers must submit accurate paperwork.
On Wednesday, the district announced the outcomes of its findings. Justin Utupo has been released from his coaching position and will no longer be permitted to coach within the district. The district’s media release indicated that Poly’s walk-on head coach has also been dismissed. An assistant coach who resigned will face a coaching ban, while another assistant has been reassigned to a non-coaching role.
In its statement, the district confirmed that “three coaches engaged in unethical conduct inconsistent with CIF eligibility rules.” Following a meeting with his players, Utupo announced his resignation on the same day, expressing surprise at the district’s announcement. He had transitioned from Lakewood to lead the Long Beach Poly program, which boasts a remarkable history of 20 CIF titles.
The investigation’s fallout has also impacted the football team’s future. After finishing the season with a 5-5 record, Long Beach Poly will not participate in the Southern Section playoffs. The district is now poised to conduct a thorough review of all athletic programs to ensure that “protocols, training, and expectations are clearly understood and consistently applied” across its schools.
The Southern Section is expected to provide additional information regarding potential sanctions related to the case. The seven athletes involved have been officially listed in the Southern Section transfer portal as ineligible for two years due to their violations of bylaw 202. This ruling emphasizes the ongoing commitment to uphold integrity within high school athletics.
The Long Beach Unified School District’s actions highlight the importance of adherence to eligibility rules in sports and the consequences of failing to meet these standards. Moving forward, the district aims to reinforce its policies and support for all athletic programs to prevent similar issues in the future.
