Grand Rapids Catholic Central Playoff Opportunity Restored, Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s playoff hopes have been restored following a temporary restraining of order issued Friday by Kent County Circuit Court Judge Paul J. Denenfeld, just one day after the Michigan High School Athletic Association announced that GRCC would be removed from postseason competition after an eligibility ruling involving a student-athlete, resulting in six forfeited victories from the regular season.

According to court documents obtained by WOOD TV8, the lawsuit was filed not by the student-athlete deemed ineligible, but by a senior teammate who argued that the MHSAA’s ruling would permanently take away his opportunity to compete in the playoffs. Judge Denenfeld granted the temporary restraining order, citing the need to prevent “immediate and irreparable harm.” The order requires the MHSAA to immediately restore Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s playoff opportunity and permit its first-round matchup against Comstock Park to take place no later than 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 3.

In a statement Friday evening, GRCC President Greg Deja clarified that the lawsuit was filed independently by the student-athlete and that Catholic Central is not a party to the case. The school stated it will fully comply with the court order and await the MHSAA’s announcement regarding the rescheduled game.

While the court order restores GRCC’s opportunity to compete, whether the Cougars to play against Comstock Park is now up to the Grand Rapids Catholic Central School Board and the Head Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. The school has stated it will fully comply with the court’s order, but the final decision on moving forward with the playoff game rests with school leadership.