On September 2nd, Delaware Military Academy violated DIAA rules by playing an ineligible athlete and putting the player in a different jersey in their season opener against Howard, a journalist from Delaware News Journal revealed. The player had gotten ejected from a preseason scrimmage for punching an opposing athlete. Per the rules of the DIAA, was obligated to sit out the next game. This led many to believe that DMA was attempting to deceive the DIAA by changing his number, an action spectators and players alike perceive as unethical and dishonorable.

The game against Howard was suspended after a disturbance in the stands in the 3rd quarter with Howard ahead 8-0. The DIAA learned of the misconduct from DMA when they planned to reschedule the game. Instead, the game was ruled a forfeit win for Howard. DMA’s coach Nick Lincoln and the ineligible player were suspended for their following game against Archbishop Curley of Baltimore.

DMA’s athletic director Jeremy Jeanne labeled the offense as “an administrative oversight” while not providing any further details. Jeanne, a former member of the DIAA board of directors, added the school is familiar with the rules and is conscious of the perception that they acted deceitfully. Nick Lincoln chose not to answer questions, only stating the DIAA will absolve DMA.

When a violation of the DIAA’s rules is reported, Danna Polk, the DIAA’s executive director asserted she “can refer those to the board” or a committee “for additional review”. The DIAA board could charge additional penalties on DMA after the hearing on Thursday.

Howard coach and athletic director Dan Ritter chose not to comment on the situation when contacted by Conrad Howler.