A Pennsylvania high school suffered a huge blow today amid allegations of hazing involving vulgar sexual acts.
Central Bucks West superintendent Dr. David P. Weitzel announced in a letter to the school district Thursday that the team’s final two games will not be played and all varsity and junior varsity coaches have been suspended due to “improper conduct” on the part of multiple players.
Weitzel referred to a section of the District Code of Conduct that forbids acts of “hazing and/or initiation ceremonies,” or similar conduct.
The most personally invasive activity required a rookie to grab another player’s private parts while fully clothed. These initiations took place in front of most team members. I want to be clear that these activities did not result in physical harm, but were not harmless. Players who did not directly participate, but witnessed and failed to report the activities, also violated the Code of Conduct.
The superintendent said the coaches were suspended for failing to “properly supervise” the team. He also apologized to all team members affected by the incidents.
The hazing appeared to consist of “waterboarding” where seniors would place towels over the head of younger players then send them into the showers, according to Central Bucks Regional Police.
One of the younger players was held down while his hair was cut.
Current Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine played quarterback at CB West under his father, Mike Sr., and served as an assistant coach for the Bucks as well.
Central Bucks West is located in Bucks County, about 30 miles north of Philadelphia.
