Several members of the first-place Honeoye varsity boys basketball team have been suspended for participating in “hazing” activities.
Honeoye Superintendent David Bills released a statement on Tuesday about the incident, which he stated was a violation of the district’s code of conduct.
“We are investigating these matters thoroughly and will take all actions warranted,” he stated. “To date, there have been some suspensions issued and, as a result, some scheduled games have been canceled. We take hazing allegations very seriously and we will continue to gather information and take any necessary actions.”
Erin Cratsley, whose son Ben is a member of the team, said her son received one day of in-school suspension, five days of out-of-school suspension, 10 days without extracurricular activities and will need to complete 10 days of community service. She said the incident occurred on the way home from Thursday’s game against Harley-Allendale Columbia.
Honeoye is forfeiting its three remaining regular season games, including Wednesday’s game against Naples, Cratsley said. The Bulldogs are in first place in the Finger Lakes West League with an 8-1 league record and 11-4 overall record. The Big Green are in second with a 6-2 league record and 12-2 overall record. Cratsley was unsure if the team would take part in sectionals.
The players were giving each other wedgies on the bus, according to Cratsley. She said the wedgies occurred in celebration after a game and that nobody felt scared or threatened. She felt the out-of-school suspension wasn’t necessary.
“They will all miss out on senior night next week,” Cratsley said. “They shouldn’t be giving wedgies, but they’re not criminals. I don’t perceive wedgies as hazing, but the school may. The school has a responsibility and I understand that they do have a responsibility.”
Honeoye lost to York in the Section 5 Class C3 finals last year.
Bills could not be reached for comment. Coach Jim Parshall didn't return calls for comment.
Several members of the first-place Honeoye varsity boys basketball team have been suspended for participating in “hazing” activities.
Honeoye Superintendent David Bills released a statement on Tuesday about the incident, which he stated was a violation of the district’s code of conduct.
“We are investigating these matters thoroughly and will take all actions warranted,” he stated. “To date, there have been some suspensions issued and, as a result, some scheduled games have been canceled. We take hazing allegations very seriously and we will continue to gather information and take any necessary actions.”
Erin Cratsley, whose son Ben is a member of the team, said her son received one day of in-school suspension, five days of out-of-school suspension, 10 days without extracurricular activities and will need to complete 10 days of community service. She said the incident occurred on the way home from Thursday’s game against Harley-Allendale Columbia.
Honeoye is forfeiting its three remaining regular season games, including Wednesday’s game against Naples, Cratsley said. The Bulldogs are in first place in the Finger Lakes West League with an 8-1 league record and 11-4 overall record. The Big Green are in second with a 6-2 league record and 12-2 overall record. Cratsley was unsure if the team would take part in sectionals.
The players were giving each other wedgies on the bus, according to Cratsley. She said the wedgies occurred in celebration after a game and that nobody felt scared or threatened. She felt the out-of-school suspension wasn’t necessary.
“They will all miss out on senior night next week,” Cratsley said. “They shouldn’t be giving wedgies, but they’re not criminals. I don’t perceive wedgies as hazing, but the school may. The school has a responsibility and I understand that they do have a responsibility.”
Honeoye lost to York in the Section 5 Class C3 finals last year.
Bills could not be reached for comment. Coach Jim Parshall didn't return calls for comment.
