Report: 8-5A seeks clarification on Marcus Smart eligibility

February 25, 2011

VYPE MAGAZINE - 8-5A


Flower Mound Marcus standout Marcus Smart remains eligible after the District 8-5A executive committee discussed the issue during a close-session hearing today, according to committee chairman Steve Williams.

Williams told The Dallas Morning News that the 8-5A executive committee's eight voting delegate decided to take no action at this time following a recent Morning News' report questioning his eligibility.

The committee has asked the UIL for a clarification on a rule, according to Lewisville ISD communications director Karen Permetti.

The report focused on Smart's family renting a home in the Marcus attendance zone owned by team booster club vice president and friend Phil Forte.

The News reported that estimates from real estate agents with knowledge of the area indicated that Forte was charging the Smarts less than market value rent.

Section 5 of the UIL Constitution covers a student or a student’s parents “board or lodging” as part of illegal recruiting. Section 1203 of the District Executive Committee handbook says the offer could come from a “school official or local fan.”

Smart is one of the area's most coveted junior recruits and helped lead the Marauders to the Class 5A state tournament last season and this season's playoffs.