Leechburg H.S.'s Basketball Team Competes In WPIAL Playoff Game Amid Hazing Scandal
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Leechburg Blue Devils took to the court against Monessen Wednesday night amid hazing allegations that involved the use of a wooden stick.
Leechburg's High School athletic director said all of the boys played in the game. Fans say they earned it.
"No matter what happens with the situation, I don't think it's right to punish all the kids, especially ones that aren't involved. They earned their spot to be here, so they should be here," Leechburg fan and alumni Bill Rua said.
During a meeting last week, the school board considered pulling the entire team from the regional playoffs, but that never happened. The crowd said it wasn't fair to punish the whole team despite the allegations.
"Me, personally, I'm going to let the people who are investigating do their due diligence and find out what the truth is and go from there. Until that happens, I don't think you can punish anyone until you know all the facts," Rua said.
Police have been investigating reports that younger players have been assaulted by older players for about a decade.
Leechburg's police chief characterized the incidents as assaults and not hazing, and said they had sexual connotations.
Some parents that KDKA's Amy Wadas spoke to off camera say the allegations are being blown out of proportion.
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The high school athletic director says he never heard of such a thing happening.
"Circumstances are what they are. The investigation within the district is still ongoing," Leechburg High School Athletic Director Mark Jones said.
Jones couldn't comment on any prior suspensions. He said Wednesday night's game is about the team playing basketball and nothing else.
"Tonight's about these kids. That's what it's all about tonight. They've earned their right to be here," Jones said.
No one has been charged in this case yet. The investigation is ongoing. The school district is also conducting an internal investigation at this time.