MIRA MESA (NEWS 8) – Parents, coaches and students on Thursday attended a meeting to address an alleged hazing incident inside a locker room between the JV and freshman football teams at Mira Mesa High School.
Before the forum, Principal Jeff Sabins told News 8 the school investigation findings were different than the San Diego Police sex crimes detectives’ findings. Because of the ongoing investigation, police would not comment on the matter.
The media was not allowed inside the parent meeting between coaches and the administration, but parents told News 8 the meeting was calm. Additionally, parents said they believe the school is doing everything it can to ensure the safety of all students.
Principal Sabins said hazing would not be tolerated. He stressed that while some may think hazing is horseplay, it is not appropriate and there would be disciplinary action.
Students told News 8 off camera the alleged incident, if true, crossed the line.
One parent, Mark Mejia, said the whole thing ‘was blown out of proportion.’ “Kids talk to kids and the story gets bigger and it is easy to feed into that fear. I rather wait and hear what actually happened.”
Principal Sabin sent out emails to parents on Wednesday and canceled Thursday’s joint JV and freshman game. Further, the JV football team has been suspended until further review. Because freshman players were not the aggressors, they have been reinstated.
One parent told News 8 she wants to see more adult supervising extracurricular activities. Principal Sabin said he has directed coaches to increase off-field supervision – including the locker room.
The alleged hazing investigation is ongoing.
RELATED