High School Cancels Football Season Amid Bullying Concerns
A New Jersey high school has cancelled their football season amid bullying concerns. Sayreville War Memorial High School superintendent Richard Labbe confirmed the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity teams, will forfeit the remainder of the season.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating claims of bullying, hazing, and harassment among the players. County officials said they have credible evidence that suggests the “players knew, tolerated, and in general accepted” the behavior.
Labbe said the bullying and hazing were “on a wide-scale level.” Prior to the announcement, the superintendent met with the players and their parents to discuss the cancellation.
As reported by ABC News, the varsity team was one of the best in the state. In the last four years, the team won three state sectional championships.
Many students expressed outrage when the high school cancelled their football season. Sam Morris, who plays on the junior varsity team, said the allegations are untrue. He further stated that he and his teammates are “upset, angry, and annoyed” that the team was forced to forfeit the remaining games.
Kishan Patel, a senior at Sayreville War Memorial High School, echoed Morris’ concerns. Patel said the situation was likely “blown out of proportion.” She also said she and her classmates will continue to support the football players.
The students are not alone in their opinion that school administrators went to far. Parent Corinne Kalev said the punishment is specifically harsh, as all players are being punished for the actions of a few.
Labbe understands that his decision will remain controversial. However, he said bullying and hazing will not be tolerated.
“We need all of our student-athletes, all of our students, heck, all students in the state, in this nation, to understand that the one true way to stop bullying is for those bystanders to do the right thing and become up-standers and report to an adult or someone at an authority level of what is going on.”
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating the allegations. Although criminal charges were not yet filed, officials said there is sufficient evidence to suggest the bullying and hazing occurred.
As reported by AZ Central, the high school’s decision to cancel the football season comes one week after an assistant football coach was forced to resign. The coach, who was not named, was reportedly in possession of steroids. Labbe said the incidents are not related.
[Image via NPR]
