Half of the team facing disciplinary actions facing disciplinary actions

Sports Editor / Lauren Ceballos

     The University of San Diego’s football team is facing the consequences of hazing accusations. Upon the brink of the new season, an investigation was made to look into the allegations, making news headlines in the San Diego Union-Tribune (SDUT). The SDUT shared that on Aug.18, 2023, the newly welcomed USD football coach, Brandon Moore, reported the allegations, which resulted in football activities being suspended within hours of the news. Investigations are being pursued by the school, USD public safety and the police department. 

      In a letter addressed to the faculty and staff, President James Harris III explained that some players will receive indefinite suspensions as part of the “varying degrees of disciplinary actions” that will occur. 

     Senior Director of Media Relations Lissette Martinez shared information with The USD Vista in an email. 

      “It is important to note that in Athletics, coaches have the ability to make disciplinary decisions based on their program, and the preliminary action taken thus far is team-based. Further inquiry is underway, and because this is an ongoing investigation and for privacy reasons, we cannot elaborate further,” Martinez said.

     Martinez did not specify on the difference between “active” and “passive” hazing among players who received punishments. Further, it is unclear how this differential in alleged involvement in hazing activities factored into the “degrees of disciplinary actions” that the players faced from the team’s leadership.

     On Aug. 23, the players who were not suspended proceeded with practice. President Harris’ letter claims that “approximately half the football team” is being disciplined. However, the school has not stated the specifics of each player’s disciplinary status.

     The season still began on its original date of Sept. 2 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Harris’ letter revealed that some players came forward to share their accounts about the hazing, without listing names or details. President Harris commended the actions of those who came forward with allegations about hazing.

    According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, suspicion arose when a player ceased to attend team activities which was later discovered to be a result of his experience being hazed, allegedly not involving any sort of physical harm.

     USD has a zero tolerance policy for hazing. Martinez expanded on the policy.

     “Hazing is a topic addressed in team orientation for all sports and USD has zero tolerance for hazing across the board, as reflected in the swift response to the situation with USD Football. The university suspended team activities and notified SDPD within 12 hours of learning of the allegations,” Martinez said.

     While Martinez specifically addressed the football team, Vice President Charlotte Johnson alluded to the policy for the school within her welcome letter to the first-year students.

     “Remember, we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe. If you see something or know something, please say something. This applies to all harmful or potentially harmful behaviors, including hazing,” Johnson wrote.

     Despite trainings that are put into place, many organizations still struggle with hazing. Hazing is an increasing outbreak among communities and schools across the country. According to the Hazing Prevention Network, “47% of students come to college having experienced hazing. [And] 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing.”

     Despite hazing policies and other school rules and regulations across the country, schools must trust their students to uphold such policies and adhere to their expectations; however, it is unknown what happens behind closed doors.

     In a recent letter sent to USD students on Sept. 12 entitled “Building a Community of Hope, Truth and Compassion” from President James T. Harris III, he states expectations regarding students for the year based on Cardinal Robert McElroy’s homily at the Mass of the Holy Spirit.

     “My hope for our university community is that we act in a forthright manner and with compassion when faced with issues that challenge the well-being of any member of our campus,” Harris said.

     President Harris proceeded to address the football situation directly within the letter.

     “As many of you are aware, this semester we were shocked and deeply concerned regarding allegations of bullying or hazing on our Torero football team. I am grateful for the quick action of Head Coach Brandon Moore and Athletic Director Bill McGillis in response to these allegations and commend those who bravely stepped forward to share their experiences. Team sanctions and penalties were enforced immediately, and the matter was also referred to the San Diego Police Department. In addition, we have launched an independent inquiry to determine if there were violations of the student code of conduct or infringements upon the individual rights of any member of our student body.”

     President Harris expressed the relevance of addressing the situation in his letter.

     “I bring this matter to your attention because I wish to be clear that any form of bullying, hazing, or other actions that threaten any member of our community have no place here at USD. Such behavior will not be tolerated, and zero tolerance means zero tolerance. Every member of our community has chosen to be here to learn, to share and to build an environment of hope, trust, and compassion where all members have a clear sense of belonging.”

     If you are a victim of hazing at USD or in another other organization, resources include filing an anonymous report with the Department of Public Safety at USD, filling out a compliance form through USD, and/or calling the National Hazing Hotline which is available 24/7 at 1-888-NOT- HAZE (1-888-668-4293).

     Lastly, the university provides other outlets for relief and help such as the Wellness Center, which can be reached by students at (619)260- 4655 or email wellness@ sandiego.edu and support from campus ministries.