New Jersey high school football team has playoff game canceled after hazing allegations surface

Allegations against Wall Township team include that player was threatened with sexual assault

Wall High School's football in New Jersey team has had their semifinal playoff game canceled and multiple school employees have been suspended after allegations of hazing within the team surfaced, according to a report by Meg Baker of CBS New York. The Wall Township, New Jersey, team had been scheduled to hold its playoff game on Friday.

According to a letter by superintendent Dr. Tracy Handerhan, the school immediately contacted law enforcement and "appropriate state agencies" upon hearing an anonymous rumor concerning hazing on the team. Among the allegations included that an older player had pinned a younger player down and threatened to sexually assault him, a video of which had allegedly circulated.

The allegations have since led to some school employees being placed on administrative leave. The New Jersey Education Association teacher's union confirmed to CBS New York that said individuals have been assigned an attorney.

While the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office is handling the investigation, a number of students felt that the school's football season should not be canceled over the incident.

"The kids that definitely did it, that get accused of it, and the proof comes back that they did it. They definitely should get consequences, but the seniors and everybody whose season could be in jeopardy really shouldn't be in trouble, in my eyes," said student James Damiano, who pointed out that there is usually a coach or other adult in the locker room with players.

As of Nov. 12, Wall High School is still scheduled to play a Thanksgiving game against rival school Manasquan.