Foothill High School is coming down hard on hazing. Six football players from the freshman-sophomore football team were suspended following reports of locker room bullying.
“Basically it was an obscene act being performed on other players,” said Brenda Lewis, Foothill High School’s principal. “And it was said after the act a few times, ‘now you are part of the team.'”
That obscene act involved players simulating sex. School officials said it happened to players several times until one reported it to the coaching staff.
“We support students and students should not be afraid to speak up if they feel they were bullied or intimidated in any kind of way,” Lewis said.
School officials said they investigated the incident and suspended the students involved for three days. Those students have also been kicked off the football team for the rest of the season.
Varsity football team members said their younger teammates were acting immaturely.
“As guys, you know, we do play around in the locker room and stuff, but that can get carried away sometimes,” said varsity kicker Thomas Contreras. “You really got to know when to stop and when it’s not right.”
“It wasn’t a smart move for the freshman to do that but they are immature and soon enough they will get to know that that’s not the right thing to do,” said Ryan Rangle, also a varsity kicker.