Indian River High School football team under scrutiny after appearing in TV commercial | Latest news

DAGSBORO, DE – The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) has launched an investigation after players from the Indian River High School (IRHS) football team appeared in a local commercial.

Under current DIAA regulations, players are not permitted to promote or endorse products or services through their status as a high school athlete. According to the DIAA, student-athletes could jeopardize their ability to participate in intercollegiate sports by violating these regulations.

“The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) is currently conducting an investigation into this matter,” the DIAA said in a statement to WBOC. “The investigation has been forwarded to our compliance officer, who works closely with Indian River management. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be reviewed by the DIAA Board of Directors, which will determine whether further action is necessary.”

A 30-second Hershey Exteriors commercial featured several uniformed players. The commercial began airing on local stations Sept. 8 and was voluntarily pulled by Hershey Exteriors on Thursday.

The investigation comes a little more than a week before the DIAA’s new regulations take effect allowing high school players to conduct professional deals using their name and likeness. These changes to the DIAA rules are scheduled to take effect on October 12th.

“We are aware of a complaint filed with the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association and will cooperate fully with the compliance officer assigned to this case,” IRHS officials said in a statement Thursday. “As this is an active investigation, the Indian River School District has no further comment on this matter at this time.”

This is a developing story. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.