Cordia High School appeals KHSAA's penalties against its basketball program

Cordia High School is appealing the penalties its basketball program received July 25 from the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, the school's lawyers said Friday.

Sanctions against the Knott County school include fines totaling almost $26,000 and a ban on playing boys' basketball games during all of 2014-15 and the 2015-16 postseason. KHSAA commissioner Julian Tackett said in July that Cordia's violations during the past few years illustrated "the most wanton and blatant disregard for association rules" in the KHSAA's 97-year history.

Officials from McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland issued a statement Friday announcing the appeal, which challenges the factual findings, application of the KHSAA's bylaws, and penalties assessed against Cordia and its coach, former University of Kentucky basketball player Rodrick Rhodes.

"Cordia looks forward to addressing these issues before the KHSAA's Board of Control and coming to a fair and just resolution as soon as possible," the statement said.

This story was originally published August 22, 2014 at 6:48 PM with the headline "Cordia High School appeals KHSAA's penalties against its basketball program."