Yesterday, it was mentioned in this space that Sayreville High School (N.J.) had cancelled a Thursday night clash with South Brunswick following the arrest of defensive coordinator Charles Garcia on charges of steroid possession. As it turns out, Garcia’s legal woes might be the least of Sayreville’s problems, as the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating alleged hazing practices within the Sayreville football program. From MyCentralJersey’s Greg Tufaro :
Schools superintendent Richard Labbe released few details about the allegations during a news conference Friday afternoon, declining to either confirm or deny reports of hazing.
“Because this is an investigation being conducted by law enforcement, I have signed a memorandum of agreement with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, which prohibits me from conducting my own investigation until they are done with theirs,” Labbe said.
“We take a zero tolerance approach on harassment, intimidation and bullying,” he said. “The allegations are of a very serious nature. We will not stop until all of our students’ safety and welfare are established.”
“It’s not fair to the kids who had nothing to do with this,” said John Williams, father of junior DB Coray. “They worked all summer to get ready. The season just started. You’ve got seniors on the team, some preparing to go to college. This is their last season, and now they don’t know if the season is going to be canceled.”