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.
The El Cerrito High School football program has been suspended after a police investigation into allegations of hazing and bullying involving 22 current and former players, according to school district officials. The West Contra Costa Unified School District made the decision to suspend the program immediately to prevent further harm to students, said assistant superintendent of communications Liz Sanders.
The allegations came to light last month, and the district referred them to law enforcement on October 2nd. Police investigations revealed that the alleged incidents occurred between September 2024 and October 2026 on school grounds, involving football players targeting their own teammates, said Capt. Lauren Caputo of the El Cerrito Police Department.
The investigation is ongoing, and police expect charges to be filed soon. The head football coach has been placed on leave, and it is possible that he could face charges as well. Some parents and players expressed shock and frustration at the suspension, arguing that the entire program should not be penalized before charges are filed.
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