Krop basketball team faces immigration issues.

The immigration status of a top Krop High School basketball player has been called into question, jeopardizing the entire basketball season.
By Patricia Andrews
pandrews@miamiherald.com
Community leaders are scrambling to keep Krop High School basketball team from having to forfeit its entire season because of one player’s immigration issues.

The Florida Immigation Coalition and the Florida Caribbean Caucus will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. Monday outside the school at 1410 NE County Line Rd. to protest the Florida High School Athletic Association’s decision to ban Krop from the upcoming playoffs. The school also is challenging the association’s decision to force it to forfeit its entire playing season.

The basketball team has filed a lawsuit against the association seeking to be reinstated. A court hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Spencer Eig.

The athletic association has demanded that the school produce documentation on a player, Brian Delancy, 18, a Bahamian native who came to the United States three years ago, and transferred to Krop during his senior year to play basketball.

The school is objecting, saying to comply would violate federal law.

The athletic association responded by deeming the player ineligible and has told the team that it must forfeit its entire season.

Meanwhile, Monday’s press conference will have attorneys representing the school, Maria Rodriguez of the Florida Immigration Coalition and Thomas Pinder, president of the Florida Caribbean Caucus. Several politicians also are expected to be on hand, including State Rep. Daphne Campbell and North Miami Beach Commissioner McKenzie Fleurimond.



Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/07/2 ... z1DJa5YoQq