Superintendent "appalled (at) players being subjected to unacceptable and embarrassing treatment by other players." Game cancelled, trip to UCLA canceled and players disciplined

Serious misconduct involving apparent hazing, serious enough to warrant a police investigation, prompted the unprecedented cancelation of tonight's Taft Union High football game

Superintendent Blanca Cavazos issued the following statement Friday at 5 p.m.:

Administrators at Taft Union High School were made aware of two serious incidents today involving the school’s varsity football program. The incidents occurred in the past week and involved players being subjected to unacceptable and embarrassing treatment by other players.

As a result of an ongoing investigation, the district has taken the following actions today:

•First, tonight’s varsity football game against Highland has been cancelled, since most of the varsity football team was involved (the JV team will play tonight);

• Second, we have cancelled tomorrow’s trip to UCLA. The football teams had been scheduled to attend a UCLA football game tomorrow;

•Third, appropriate disciplinary measures have been taken with the students who were involved and we are continuing to investigate and evaluate other measures needed to address these incidents and prevent similar future behavior.

“I am appalled that such behavior took place within our football program,” said Blanca Cavazos, Taft Union High School District Superintendent. “The safety of our students is our number one priority and providing a safe, welcoming place for all students is imperative.”

Further details will be provided as the district’s investigation concludes and more information becomes available.



