Lawsuit Claims High School Football Coaches Encouraged Hazing, Sexual Assault
HESPERIA (CBSLA.com) — A former player with the Oak Hills football team in Hesperia has filed a lawsuit accusing his coaches of encouraging hazing.
The student said as a result of this behavior he was also sexually assaulted.
CBS2's Tom Wait spoke to a stunned parent.
"My first reaction was a little shock. I have students that go to this school and who play football," said the parent. She did not want to be identified.
The parent told Wait she's heard the accusations and still believes in the coaching staff.
"They have extremely close unity here at this school and I support everything that these coaches have done," she said.
The civil lawsuit was filed against Hesperia's school district and football coaches.
In the suit, the former player stated:
"[the] high school has a long-lasting tradition of ritual hazing and sadomasochistic sexual beatings undertaken by students, against students, which is encouraged, tolerated and sanctioned by teachers, faculty, coaches…"
The unidentified student said the alleged behavior occurred in 2013. He said he was sexually assaulted in the showers and the coaches did nothing to stop it.
The court documents say the coaches allowed this behavior to happen and even help perpetuate the actions.
"…Coaches encouraged sadomasochistic sexual hazing that plaintiff was forced to endure," the suit maintained.
The parent who spoke to Wait said she doesn't believe the allegations.
"If there ever was a problem, I know they would be on it and nip it in the bud," she said.
The district declined an on camera interview. They released a statement that read, in part:
"There was one incident reported during the time frame referenced in the lawsuit and it was thoroughly investigated, but there was no evidence to support the allegations."
The statement also said, "Allegations are often made, in lawsuits and otherwise, that don't hold up when the relevant facts are brought to light."
The accuser no longer attends Oak Hills.
