SWAMPSCOTT, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) Members of the Swampscott High School football team are under investigation for hazing allegations, according to Swampscott police.
Police responded to a noise complaint at the school’s practice field Friday night. When they arrived, they found 25-30 young males. Officers will not say what they observed them doing, but there are allegations of hazing.
Students told FOX25 that the team was gathered around a bonfire, which is a longstanding tradition known as "The 50." The team has gathered the night before games for years, students said.
"They like chant and say things to motivate each other for the game the next day," said varsity cheerleader Kendall Rhodes. "It's been going on for so long. My brother was on the football team - he would go to "the 50." It's not just this year it's been every year, so it's kind of bad they're only getting in trouble this year."
Police are now questioning those involved in the incident.
FOX25 spoke to a Swampscott High School junior who was on the team as an underclassman, and he says he was treated well.
"None of that happened," said junior Mike Johnson.
In wake of the allegations, the team's game scheduled for Saturday night has been canceled.
Swampscott Superintendent of Schools Pamela R. H. Angelakis said in a statement:
"On Monday morning, I became aware of an incident allegedly involving members of the Swampscott High School football team at Blocksidge Field Friday night. After speaking with the Swampscott Police Department, it became clear that the incident required further investigation by Swampscott Public Schools.
From what I have been able to determine, there were no adults present at the time of the incident. Understanding that all the facts have yet to be presented, I do not feel it is appropriate for the football team to take the field representing Swampscott High School at this time. As a result, we have canceled Thursday’s freshman game and Saturday’s varsity game vs. Saugus."
FOX25 reached out to the MIAA for further comment.
“We are aware of a situation that Swampscott HS is dealing with but don’t have a comment other than to say that these type of incidents are navigated by the individual school(s) at the local level,” said MIAA spokesman Nathan Bonneau in a statement.
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