The Elk River (Minn.) High School football program has been suspended - one week before its season opener - following what appears to be a series of hazing incidents. Superintendent Mark Bezek announced his decision to shelve the program "until further notice" in a meeting with about 200 parents and students Wednesday night, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
The move came on the same day a player's parent notified school officials that her son had been a hazing victim, prompting all 54 players on the team to be interviewed. More than a dozen students who might know more were expected to be interviewed today, according to Elk River activities director John Barth - who nevertheless doesn't expect the Elks to miss any games on the gridiron.
District spokesperson Casey Mahon would not reveal to reporters the nature of the hazing. But he did state that the allegations appear to involve more than one isolated incident and "could've gone back the past couple of years." He added that no players required medical attention as the result of any hazing. Meanwhile, the district has hired an attorney to conduct a third-party investigation.
Last month - in light of hazing reports emerging from NFL training camps - hazing expert Hank Nuwer called for a hazing ban, imploring pro leagues to put an end to "the idea of humiliation" once and for all.
