El Cerrito High Football Program Suspended Amid Hazing Probe; Arrests Possible
Police expect multiple arrests as investigators review video evidence and allegations of battery, sexual battery and stalking involving current and former players.
- On Thursday, the West Contra Costa Unified School District suspended the El Cerrito High School football program following a police investigation into hazing allegations involving 22 current or former students spanning two years.
- After a mandated reporter alleged bullying and hazing on October 2, the El Cerrito Police Department launched a comprehensive investigation and obtained video evidence that corroborated victims' accounts of the misconduct.
- Allegations including sexual battery, assault, and false imprisonment led the district to place head football coach Tim Johnson on leave while conducting an independent Title IX investigation.
- Detectives anticipate making multiple arrests as the active investigation continues, though the department is withholding additional details to protect juvenile privacy and preserve the integrity of the case.
- Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said the district will implement anti-hazing education to restore safety, as the team ends a 6-3 season following prior 2024 disciplinary issues related to player eligibility.
14 Articles
14 Articles
California High School Football Team Suspended as 22 Players Face Arrest Over Severe Hazing
El Cerrito High School's football programme has been suspended after police investigated alleged bullying, hazing, assault and other offences involving current and former players.
22 El Cerrito football players suspected in hazing, bullying
Twenty-two members of El Cerrito High School's football program are suspected in what police are calling a two-year history of bullying and hazing involving other members of the program, authorities said Thursday, and the program was suspended amid the investigation.
El Cerrito High's football program, coach suspended after hazing allegations involving 22 teammates
El Cerrito High School's football program has been suspended and its coach is on leave after police say arrests are anticipated related to bullying and hazing among 22 members of the team that include sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and stalking.
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