Andover High School Investigates Allegations Of Hazing On Basketball Team
ANDOVER (CBS) - Disturbing allegations of hazing involving the boys' basketball team are now being investigated at Andover High School. It was an incident that apparently happened over the summer, but it's now been brought to the attention of the administration.
Superintendent Marinel McGrath acknowledges she "recently received information regarding alleged bullying and hazing" and will only say it's now being investigated. In a statement she says the school "has zero tolerance policies in place".
The details of the incident are unclear, but according to sophomore Colin Flynn a few players were being initiated onto the team. "There was an incident involving older kids forcing new players to do something that was not the best," he said.
WBZ-TV's Beth Germano reports
According to protocol it's been reported to Andover police, though the department could not provide any details to WBZ-TV. The superintendent says the administration will take "all appropriate steps" if the investigation determines that bullying or hazing has occurred.
The case may expose an ongoing ritual.
"Some kids are relieved that stuff is being reported," said Colin Flynn. "I know it was upsetting to some kids it's happened to in the past."
Parent Matt Ross says he's concerned about the serious allegation. "I'd be nervous to hear kids are setting up kids for bad experiences to try to be popular or to try to be a part of something".
