True Crime Obsessed Podcast - Episode 413: "BS High" Summary
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Introduction
In episode 413 of True Crime Obsessed, host Julian Bezavali and co-host Patrick Hines delve deep into the harrowing story of BS High, a fraudulent high school athletic program depicted in the HBO documentary BS High. This episode dissects the intricate web spun by Roy Johnson, the mastermind behind Bishop Sycamore High, exploring how he exploited young athletes and their families under the guise of advancing their sports careers.
Unmasking Roy Johnson and Bishop Sycamore High
The episode opens with Julian and Patrick expressing their disdain for Roy Johnson, characterizing him as "the worst" and "a danger to society" (00:04). Johnson, who falsely posed as a high school coach, promised young athletes scholarships and elite training opportunities. However, Bishop Sycamore High was not a legitimate educational institution. As Julian notes, “Bishop Sycamore is not even a real high school. They did not have teachers” (00:39).
Operational Tactics and Deception
Roy Johnson employed deceptive practices to lure students and secure funding. He falsely claimed affiliations with reputable organizations like the African Methodist Episcopal Church and fabricated partnerships to legitimize his program. Julian highlights Johnson’s manipulative charm: “He thinks he's charming. He does that” (05:16). The hosts discuss how Johnson exploited the trust of vulnerable families, especially targeting African American athletes, promising them a pathway to Division 1 colleges and professional careers.
Financial Exploitation and Legal Troubles
Throughout the episode, Julian and Patrick expose Johnson's financial deceit. They reveal that Johnson accrued significant unpaid tax liens, parking tickets, and business loans by defrauding multiple entities. Patrick points out, “He never [paid his bills], which is like, you can't even remember the video guys that were going to be the creative directors. Over six months, they got paid 30 bucks” (40:32). Additionally, Johnson took out PPP loans using the students' personal information, leaving them with crippling debt. Julian emphasizes the severity of these actions: “He's taking out loans in their names. These are loans meant for small businesses that were suffering during COVID” (62:22).
Impact on Students and Families
The fraudulent activities had devastating effects on the students and their families. Promised scholarships and elite training turned into financial ruin and academic stagnation. Students were forced to steal food to survive, as they were not provided adequate nourishment by Johnson. Patrick reflects on the emotional toll: “These kids are here saying, we continue to play because this is our big chance” (31:34), underscoring the betrayal and loss of hope experienced by the athletes.
Investigation and Exposé
Ben Ferry, an investigator with the Ohio High School Athletic Association, plays a pivotal role in unraveling the scam. As Julian notes, “Ben tells us, I didn't even consider that Roy was lying about the church. But when I realized he was lying about the church, that's when I realized, oh, there's nothing he won't lie about” (27:49). Despite Ferry's efforts and revelations by journalist Andrew (from "Friday Night Lies"), systemic failures allowed Johnson to continue his deceit for years. The hosts critique the lack of regulatory oversight, questioning why no laws exist to prevent such scams: “Nobody thought anybody would make up a school who would do such a thing” (47:41).
Legal Repercussions and Public Outcry
The podcast outlines the legal consequences faced by Johnson, including a domestic abuse charge and multiple lawsuits. However, Julian and Patrick express frustration over the minimal repercussions: “He filed for bankruptcy in 2023. According to the paperwork… he has 17 creditors” (76:00). The public and affected families demand accountability, but systemic hurdles impede meaningful punishment. The hosts argue for stricter regulations to prevent future occurrences.
Broader Implications and Racial Exploitation
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the racial dynamics at play. Bomani Jones, a sports journalist featured in the documentary, articulates how Johnson specifically targeted Black athletes, treating them as commodities: “Roy did this to his people because that's who you can do it to” (70:15). Patrick and Julian emphasize the exploitation inherent in the system, highlighting how Black athletes are often undervalued and overexploited for their talents without fair compensation or support.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In wrapping up, Julian and Patrick reflect on the urgent need for accountability and systemic change to protect vulnerable youth from similar exploitation. They stress the importance of awareness and advocacy to dismantle the structures that enable such fraudulent schemes. Julian poignantly states, “A predator can come in all shapes and forms” (78:07), urging listeners to remain vigilant against potential predators in various guises.
Notable Quotes
- Julian Bezavali [00:04]: "I hate him. He thinks he's great. He's the worst."
- Patrick Hines [05:21]: "He thinks he's charming... But he also didn't do anything wrong."
- Ben Ferry [27:49]: "There's nothing he won't lie about."
- Bomani Jones [70:15]: "Roy did this to his people because that's who you can do it to."
- Julian Bezavali [78:07]: "A predator can come in all shapes and forms."
Final Thoughts
Episode 413 of True Crime Obsessed masterfully unpacks the complexities of Roy Johnson’s deceitful operations with Bishop Sycamore High. Through detailed analysis, emotional testimonials, and critical insights, Julian and Patrick provide a comprehensive exploration of the dark intersection between athletics, exploitation, and systemic failure. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the importance of scrutiny and protection for vulnerable populations in educational and athletic settings.