Just before the start of the season, disciplinary action against around half of the University of San Diego football team is being considered as a result of an investigation into allegations of hazing inside the program.
Team activities were put on hold as authorities launched an investigation
In an article from USA Today, the names of the athletes facing punishment were not made public, but the institution informed USA TODAY Sports in a statement that the measures taken included indefinite game sanctions for the athletes for football team.
According to the university, head coach Brandon Moore, a first-year, was informed of the hazing claims on August 18 and immediately informed sports director Bill McGillis. As a result, team activities were put on hold as authorities launched an investigation that involved player interviews.
According to the university, around half of the football team, who were either active or passive participants, will face various levels of disciplinary action as a consequence of the preliminary investigation.
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Institution said, it had a zero-tolerance policy for hazing
The university may impose additional sanctions as the disciplinary measures that have been issued only concern involvement in athletics. The school added that Moore and school administrators discussed the policy “in multiple settings” at the start of fall camp. The institution stated that it had a zero-tolerance policy for hazing.
No reported physical injuries, according to the university, which also informed the San Diego Police Department of the findings of its investigation. San Diego also requested the review of the alleged hazing by a third party.
The San Diego hazing claims come more than a month after a hazing controversy rocked the Northwestern football team. Former players said that hazing persisted under Pat Fitzgerald’s leadership. Fitzgerald was fired on July 10 as a result of the controversy, and several former athletes have sued the university.
Players who were not suspended will still be allowed to play this season, according to San Diego, where practice resumed on August 23. The Toreros will play Cal Poly on the road in their opening game of the 2023 season as planned, reports from San Diego Union- Tribune.
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