Three-Year Probation for Montclair Prep

Montclair Prep of Van Nuys was placed on three years’ probation by the CIF Southern Section Tuesday for using undue influence in the recruitment of former football players Derek and Leland Sparks.

If Montclair Prep violates its probation, it will automatically be suspended from the section for two years.

In addition to the probation, the school is ineligible for postseason competition for the calendar year Sept. 1, 1991, to Aug. 31, 1992. The football team is ineligible for the playoffs for the next three years, meaning it will be unable to defend its Division X title.

Montclair Prep also was ordered to cease operation of its boarding facilities during the probation.

Student-athletes living with guardians other than their parents will only be eligible with permission of Southern Section Commissioner Stan Thomas.

The probation ended a seven-month investigation into Montclair Prep’s athletic department, which started after cousins Derek and Leland Sparks transferred to Santa Ana Mater Dei High last September.

“This is by far the toughest punishment I’ve handed down since I took over this job,” said Thomas, who has been commissioner for five years. “I feel this decision is a mutual compromise. Montclair Prep showed a sincere effort to make amends. This gives them a good chance to recover, and they sure better.”

Derek and Leland Sparks played for Montclair Prep in 1989. Derek started at running back and Leland at quarterback. Both were considered Division I college prospects. But when they returned for their final season last year, Leland was not granted the fifth-year of eligibility he expected.

Unhappy with not playing, Leland sought a transfer to Mater Dei and Derek went with him. At a hearing at the Southern Section office to decide Leland’s eligibility, an uncle, Jerome Sparks, made several allegations against Montclair Prep.

Jerome Sparks said his nephews were recruited to attend Montclair Prep, that their grades were changed and that they never paid tuition or room and board.

The Southern Section executive committee ordered an immediate investigation of Montclair Prep, which finally concluded behind closed doors Tuesday.

Derek and Leland Sparks played at Mater Dei last season, and in February both signed letters of intent to attend Washington State.

V.E. Simpson, Montclair Prep’s principal, said he was not saddened by the punishment but declined further comment.

John Hazelton, assistant football coach, said he and Coach George Giannini spoke Tuesday but had not decided if they would return next season.