SAYVILLE, N.Y. — A Long Island high school boys’ soccer season has been canceled after an investigation found players engaged in hazing.
The community was informed by the district superintendent that the team culture is not acceptable.
Effective immediately, the Sayville High School boys’ varsity soccer season has been canceled.
In a letter addressed to the community, the superintendent expressed their regret in having to make this decision. The superintendent reported that the off-campus hazing incidents involved the perpetration of violence and humiliation against younger players and were consistently occurring throughout the season.
According to CBS New York, the superintendent was recently made aware of the situation following previous reports of racism and antisemitism involving former team members. Describing the behavior as “completely unacceptable and intolerable,” he expressed his concerns.
The residents we spoke to did not raise any arguments.
According to Sayville resident Jim Doolin, taking action is necessary. Doolin, who has experience in playing sports and similar activities, believes that even if one is not directly involved, they should have the ability to intervene or approach their coach about the issue.
A resident expressed their feelings of sadness, stating that it’s regrettable that everything is still ongoing.
The superintendent declined to disclose the number of boys involved, but emphasized that bystanders neglected to report the behavior.
Cancellation sends a strong message, according to advocates against bullying.
Joe Salamone, from the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying, highlighted the potential consequences for all when situations like this are not addressed and remain unreported. He stressed the importance of speaking up in such cases.
Two decades ago, there was another incident that grabbed the attention of the public at a high school in Long Island. The Mepham High School football team was involved in a distressing hazing incident, resulting in criminal charges against the players.
According to Dr. Susan Lipkins, a renowned authority on hazing, the phenomenon has only intensified over time.
She has given testimony in cases that dealt with death and paralysis, and she commends Sayville for their actions.
Lipkins emphasized the students’ perception of the situation, stating that they often view it as amusing rather than risky. Instead of recognizing the potential danger, they consider it as another incident similar to what they have experienced before. Lipkins stressed the crucial need for schools to assert their position on this matter.
Despite there being only two games left in the season, the superintendent emphasized the importance of conveying a clear message, regardless of the team’s win-loss record.
The students have not been named by the district nor has it been stated whether police are involved.
