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The Sacramento Bee

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Football program on hold after police probe hazing at Northern California school

A Bay Area high school football program was suspended for the remainder of the season following a police investigation into allegations of hazing and bullying involving team members. The West Contra Costa Unified School District. suspended the Gauchos program and placed the head coach on leave, KRON reported. “No child should ever experience what our students have described,” Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said in a statement. The El Cerrito Police Department opened an investigation into the team Oct. 2, a Thursday news release said. Detectives identified 22 current and former students suspected of involvement in incidents that included battery, sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, dissuading a victim, conspiracy and stalking, police said. Police anticipate making “multiple” arrests, detectives said. The incidents allegedly occurred between September 2024 and October 2026, police said. The victims were other members of the football team. Some parents of players opposed the decision to suspend the entire program, KGO reported. “People shouldn’t be penalized for other people’s actions,” parent Katrice West told the station. Detectives asked anyone with information to contact the El Cerrito Police Department at 510-215-4435 or investigations@elcerrito.gov . The football program at Fred C. Beyer High School of Modesto also was suspended following allegations