CPS reverses ruling, Hurley can play

Updated: September 30, 2011 12:01PM

Quarterback DaeShaun Hurley is set to make his season debut Friday afternoon after the Chicago Public Schools reversed an earlier ruling that he was ineligible to play for Julian.

Hurley transferred to Julian from Morgan Park during the offseason, but was ruled ineligible by Public League director of sports administration Calvin Davis, who cited a Public League bylaw banning athletic transfers.

A lawyer for Hurley's family unsuccessfully sought an injunction in Cook County Circuit Court that would have allowed him to play while appealing the Public League decision. That appeal also was denied by the CPS Athletic Board, a decision later upheld by Chief Education Officer Noemi Donoso.

But Donoso reserved the right to review the ruling if the Hurley family could demonstrate proof it went to court to have his father -- who lives in Julian's attendance area -- obtain custody. In her ruling that Hurley is eligible, Donoso noted that the family did produce evidence that Hurley's father has custody.

With the eligibility ruling now favoring Hurley, Michael Latz, a lawyer for the family, said he would file a motion to dismiss a lawsuit that challenged the original Public League decision.

"I'm at a loss for words," Julian coach Jason Richardson said. "I'm just happy for the young man. He deserved it. ... It's a great opportunity ... that could possibly change his life."

Julian (2-3, 1-1 Heartland) plays King (5-0, 2-0) at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Gately Stadium.

Several major-college programs have shown interest in Hurley, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder. But the lack of game film of him this season may have had a negative impact on his recruiting.

Contributing: Clyde Travis

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