Humiliating sports hazing scandal rocks elite California high school

A top-ranked California high school water polo team is embroiled in a hazing scandal after players allegedly harassed teammates in a hotel room during an out-of-town tournament, leaving some injured and triggering a school district investigation.A leaked email from Long Beach’s Wilson High School coach Zac Polmanteer to parents detailed the alleged incident in the San Jose area last weekend, according to the Long Beach Post, which obtained the email.“Multiple student athletes were subjected to humiliating and physically harmful acts.Some athletes sustained injuries from being physically struck by their teammates,” Polmanteer wrote.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story The coach did not disclose the number of students involved or the extent of the injuries from the attack.The Long Beach Unified School District confirmed it was investigating the incident, saying hazing had no place in its schools or athletic programs.“Hazing is not allowed and has no place in our schools or athletic programs,” a district spokesperson said.

“Wilson High School continues to reinforce expectations for student safety and respectful conduct.”The district said it was limited in what it could disclose while the investigation continued, citing confidential student and employee information.The team had secured two victories on the first day of competition before most of the players reportedly gathered in a hotel room on Friday night.The coach said he was informed the following day of noise complaints and warned players about breaking curfew and their general conduct.He did not learn of the alleged hazing until the team returned to Long Beach on Sunday evening.“This level of behaviour is shocking, unacceptable, and completely contrary to everything we stand for as a program,�...