Author: Hank Nuwer

19-year-old Harrison Kowiak of Lenoir Ryhne University died during a rough fraternity contest used as an initiation, according to law enforcement officials in Tampa.

YOUTH SPORTS
Yukon soccer players suspended for hazings

JON MOLSON

The Canadian Press

November 19, 2008

WHITEHORSE — Three players on a Yukon under-14 soccer team have been suspended after their involvement in hazing incidents against fellow teammates at two tournaments outside the territory.

Brian Gillen, president of the Yukon Soccer Association, said yesterday that in addition to the suspensions, the players will have travel restrictions placed on them at future tournaments.

They were also required to apologize for their actions.

Mr. Gillen said the hazing incidents occurred at a Labour Day tournament in Langley, B.C., and at the nationals in October in Charlottetown.

The victims were covered with cellophane, obscene messages were applied to their skin, they were sprayed with water and their ears were filled with toothpaste. The under-14 boys team was given the sportsmanship award in Charlottetown.

Mr. Gillen said the association’s decision to suspend the players took into consideration consultations with local and national groups, which included schools in Whitehorse and the Canadian Soccer Association.

“We went through a lot of research to determine an appropriate course of action and therefore we believe that the course of action we are taking is correct,” he said.

“I have been around soccer in this town for 29 years, and to the best of my recollection this is the first [hazing] incident that we have had to deal with.”

The Yukon association has been dealing with the issue since late last month, when it received phone calls from two of the victims’ parents.

Yukon Soccer considered its response to the incident after speaking with the victims, their parents and those directly involved in the hazing.

The length of the suspensions are not being disclosed by the association and were given out after a team meeting on Sunday.

Yukon Soccer has a code of conduct for both on and off the field.

It was reviewed with all the Yukon teams that competed at this year’s nationals, but Mr. Gillen said the code needs to be made clearer in the future.

Fox News
Philadelphia , PA
November 9,2008U Of D Student’s Death Possibly Caused By Excessive Drinking

NEWARK , Del.  –  Newark police are looking into the possibility of an alcohol overdose as part of the investigation of a University of Delaware freshman’s death.

Paramedics and police were called to an off-campus house on Annabelle Street just before 3 a.m. Saturday, where they found 18-year-old Brett Griffin of Kendall Park , New Jersey , in cardiac arrest and not breathing.

He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police said Griffin was a pledge of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity and was attending a function at the fraternity’s house. About 40 people were at the house at the time.

“It’s devastating, a new kid, a freshman, a new experience. Came to college and didn’t get to experience the whole four years,” said next-door neighbor Bobby Sabol.

Police said an overdose of alcohol is being investigated as a preliminary cause of the young man’s death.

As news spread, fellow students reacted to the tragic news.

“It does upset me actually that drinking is that out of control here, that it can’t be something just fun,” said Jeff Meyer, senior at University of Delaware.

Several empty liquor bottles, beer cans and cups were found scattered at the scene.

According to University of Delaware police, the death may have been induced by a night filled with drinking games.

An autopsy will be performed most likely on Sunday. Police say charges may follow if the medical examiner determines that alcohol was a factor.

University Of Delaware Extends Condolences To Victim’s Family

The University of Delaware community extends condolences to the family and friends of freshman Brett Griffin, 18, who died Nov. 8, Michael A. Gilbert, vice president for students affairs, announced today.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Griffin’s family and to his many friends on our campus,” Gilbert said. “His death is a tragedy for us all.”

Newark Police report that Mr. Griffin, a freshman from Kendall Park , N.J. , was found unconscious at a party in the early morning at a house on Annabelle Street in Newark . An ambulance from the Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder Company responded to a 911 call and found him in cardiac arrest and not breathing. The crew and New Castle County paramedics initiated life-saving measures at the scene and while he was being taken to Christiana Hospital , where he was pronounced dead.

According to the police, Mr. Griffin was a pledge of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity and was attending a party at the house, which is occupied by several members of the fraternity. Police are investigating an overdose of alcohol as the primary cause of the emergency.

The University is cooperating fully with Newark Police on the investigation into the cause of his death.

Counselors from the University’s Center for Counseling and Student Development and staff from the offices of Student Life and Residence Life are available to offer support to Mr. Griffin’s friends and colleagues on the campus. UD students who are stressed or concerned should contact the Office of the Dean of Students or the Counseling Center .

Wabash disbands Delta Tau Delta

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. ­ Wabash College is disbanding a fraternity chapter
after an 18-year-old freshman died of accidental alcohol poisoning at its
house.

The college says it’s withdrawing recognition of the Delta Tau Delta
chapter and ending its lease. Wabash officials say an investigation found
“a culture and practice of ungentlemanly behavior and irresponsible
citizenship.”

Delta Tau Delta executive vice president Jim Russell says the
Indianapolis-

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Excerpt
The arraignment for the six members of the Women’s Rugby team will take place on Dec. 22 at the Plymouth District Court. They are innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law.