El Cerrito High Football Team Suspended Amid Hazing and Sexual Assault Investigation; Police Identify 22 People
El Cerrito police announced on Nov. 5 that the El Cerrito High School football team has been suspended immediately amid an investigation into alleged hazing, bullying and sexual assault, and that head coach Tim Johnson has been placed on leave pending the outcome. Police said they have identified 22 people connected to the case, involving allegations of battery, sexual assault, assault, false imprisonment, stalking, conspiracy and dissuading victims from reporting, said to have continued for more than two years.
The investigation began on Oct. 2, when a mandated reporter told police about suspected hazing by players. The West Contra Costa Unified School District then suspended the football program immediately. Police said the investigation is ongoing, evidence is being evaluated and multiple arrests are expected.
El Cerrito won a historic California Interscholastic Federation Division 4 state championship last season and had hoped to build on that success this year; the suspension ends its season abruptly. The district said it will cooperate with the police investigation, provide support services to affected students and asked anyone with information to contact police.
(Source: USA Today)
Source: USA Today
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：埃尔塞里托市圣巴勃罗大道的塞里托剧院。（Wikimedia Commons，CC0） / Photo: The Cerrito Theater on San Pablo Avenue in El Cerrito.
