Westlake Parents Investigate Alleged Football Recruiting Violations

A group of parents connected to the Westlake High School football program says it is investigating whether student-athletes at neighboring schools were improperly encouraged to transfer to Westlake. The parents said they had retained a private investigation company and were acting with legal counsel’s guidance.

In their October 28 letter, the parents raised concerns that players may have been approached for football-related reasons and that financial or other benefits might have been offered or discussed. They also questioned whether information about students’ residency, transfers or enrollment accurately described their circumstances.

The letter cited a California Interscholastic Federation rule barring public schools from using undue influence to enroll, transfer or keep a student for athletic purposes. The parents said they intended to submit a formal request for CIF Southern Section to investigate suspected violations involving the program and head coach Rick Clausen.

Westlake is 7-3 this season and finished 3-2 in its conference, earning a playoff place. Clausen led the team to a 10-1 record in his first season, following a 0-10 campaign the year before. In 2025, the Rams honored him with the Don Shula award for coaching excellence.

The allegations have prompted criticism on social media, including speculation that the parents’ concerns may be connected to their children’s playing time. The letter presents the claims as matters under investigation; it does not establish that recruiting violations occurred.