Last week's hazing allegation at Elk River (Minn.) High School has resulted in disciplinary action against nine players, while five of 12 coaches remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation this week. The decisions came at a special Sunday night school board meeting.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that four players will be kicked off the varsity squad for their roles in at least one incident involving players striking or poking other players on or near the buttocks in the school's wrestling room. Three other players are suspended for four games, and another two will sit out one game. The board also voted to reinstate seven coaches from paid administrative leave, and the entire football team must undergo sensitivity training in an effort to prevent future incidents.
"These are good kids, and they made a mistake," district superintendent Mark Bezek, who suspended the entire football program last week, told the paper. "But it's a serious mistake."
Some players told the Star News community newspaper that the board's actions will "devastate" the team, which has not had a winning season since 2003. They also said that the punishment is "ridiculous" and that the whole ordeal was blown out of proportion. Additionally, Elk River police have noticed that players and parents have begun clamming up about the incidents out of fear of more negative consequences.
