10 Varsity Football Players Suspended In Alleged Hazing Incident At Catholic High School
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Ten varsity high school football players at an all-boys Catholic school have been suspended for hazing freshmen members of the school's football team, officials said Friday.
The incident occurred Oct. 20 before the start of football practice at L.A. Cathedral High School at 1253 Bishops Road, according to school principal John Montgomery.
Several varsity football players were displeased about five freshman members of the team entering the varsity team room and "turning lights on and off, taking helmets from some players, and leaving trash in the team room," according to Montgomery.
Following a school investigation - in which the Los Angeles Police Department was contacted - ten varsity football players were suspended, Montgomery said.
In a statement, Montgomery said: "We take misconduct very seriously and our students know that hazing in any form is not acceptable. Our theme this year is to be positive 'Signs of Faith' and what took place is not a good sign."
Cathedral High's football team is currently 7-0 and ranked first in the Southeast Division.
The school has a zero tolerance policy on hazing, reported CBS2's Randy Paige.
He spoke to students and parents who were upset about the suspensions but also understood actions have consequences.
Paige also spoke to students who believed the school would still maintain its unbeaten record despite the suspensions.
No serious injuries occurred as a result of the hazing. The actual hazing incidents were not disclosed.
The suspended players will not participate in Cathedral's game at St. Francis High School on Friday, officials said.