California school district cancels all football games amid allegations of extremely serious misconduct
A California high school has abruptly shut down its entire football program for the rest of the season after allegations of misconduct involving varsity players sparked a police investigation and led to a student being cited for battery.Fred C.Beyer High School in Modesto canceled all remaining games and practices for its varsity, junior varsity and freshman teams after administrators learned of cellphone footage allegedly showing misconduct within the football program, according to the Sacramento Bee.The school’s head football coach, Mike Young, was also placed on administrative leave late last week, although officials have not disclosed why he was removed from his duties.Modesto police launched an investigation after school administrators reported the allegations to authorities.
Investigators reviewed video evidence and ultimately cited one player for misdemeanor battery.“We are deeply troubled by allegations involving members of the Fred C.Beyer High School football program,” Modesto City Schools said in a statement Friday.
“These allegations are extremely serious and have no place in our schools or athletic programs.”The district has released few details about what allegedly happened, how many players may have been involved or whether additional students were harmed.It also remains unclear whether Young was placed on leave because of accusations involving his own conduct, concerns about his supervision of the team or other circumstances.School officials said they were conducting their own investigation to determine whether other students were involved and what disciplinary measures should follow.The district has also made counseling and other support services available to student-athletes and emphasized that students and employees receive annual harassment-prevention training.Anyone with information about the allegations has been urged to contact school administrators, the district or Modesto police.The controversy comes after a series of troubling i...