El Cerrito High School in the Bay Area has cancelled its football season amid a month-long investigation into alleged hazing and sexual assault by players.
According to The Los Angeles Times, the investigation involved 22 players over the course of three years.
El Cerrito Police said in a statement that the investigation stems from a mandated reporter on Oct. 2. In California, a mandated reporter is someone who has responsibility for children through their employment or volunteer status and is legally required to report suspected child abuse.
The victims were other members of the football team. Detectives interviewed them, along with school staff and witnesses. Police said they were investigating allegations of battery, sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, dissuading a victim, conspiracy and stalking.
While police said that they obtained corroborating testimony, as well as video evidence, they did not release details of the case as part of an ongoing investigation.
The school district said it is conducting its own investigation under Title IX.
"No child should ever experience what our students have described," District Supt. Cheryl Cotton said. "While we have worked to focus on accountability for the actions of individual players up until this point, new information has led to new decisions.
"We must now make the very tough call to immediately suspend the El Cerrito High football program in order to prevent any further harm and restore a safe learning environment for our students."
