SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) – San Diego Police are looking into a reported hazing incident at Mira Mesa High School. The incident reportedly involved players on the freshman and JV football teams during Homecoming Week.
A San Diego police sex crimes lieutenant confirmed detectives are investigating and have more interviews to do but would not release any other information about the hazing allegations.
Football players declined to talk to News 8, but the principal said students need to feel safe – stressing that hazing would not be tolerated. Football practice remained for the varsity Mira Mesa High School team, but Thursday’s JV and freshman Homecoming game was canceled.
The San Diego Unified School District, on behalf of Principal Jeff Sabins, via an emailed statement confirmed the allegation of hazing by some junior-varsity football players.
“In response, the school: launched an investigation into the allegations, which continues; canceled a JV football practice and game scheduled for Thursday; and notified the entire school community of the reports of alleged hazing."
A letter was also sent to parents of football players indicating that hazing would not be tolerated.
A mother, who asked not to be identified, said her student is involved in extracurricular activities and worried this would happen. “I really feel like it is unfortunate that something like this had to happen before it was seriously addressed. I had brought up numerous concerns regarding the lack of supervision during after school programs.”
Principal Sabin said he has directed football staff to increase off-field supervision of players. One mother said she hopes the supervision will be for all students. “I think that time will tell and hopefully the school can address the parents directly – not just with the football parents but with every parent that has a student at Mira Mesa."
Principal Sabin has called a football-parent meeting for Thursday night at 6 p.m., at the Media Center to offer a space where parents can share their concerns with staff and coaches. He said he wants to make all students feel safe at all times.