On the eve of the MHSAA football playoffs, Warren De La Salle Collegiate abruptly ended its season because of hazing allegations against varsity players who were involved in the incidents and those who knew about them but didn't tell.

"We are sorry to report that we have recently discovered a series of hazing incidents conducted by several players on our varsity football team, and many players on the team appear to have been aware of such hazing but failed to report it," the DLS administration wrote in an email to parents Thursday afternoon. "A a result we have made the difficult but appropriate decision to forfeit Friday's football game which will end the season."

The school also announced in an email there would be no classes Friday after a "serious" threat was received.

"We have alerted the Warren Police department and are collaborating with them to investigate this threat," according to the email. "We have decided to cancel school ... to ensure the students' safety."

The 5-4 Pilots, the two-time Division 2 defending state champion, have won three state titles in the past five years.

According to the email regarding the hazing, the incidents involving the Catholic school football players have been reported to the police to investigate whether the acts involved criminal conduct.

Head coach Mike Giannone declined comment.

The email did not disclose details about the incidents, saying only: "Behaviors violating our code of conduct or that do not reflect our Christian morality, let alone civility and respect for others, will not be tolerated ... disrespectful, demeaning or non-consensual behaviors of any kind are not acceptable."

The email also addressed the practice of hazing, and why students may be compelled to do it, stating: "Students at times may think because they meant no harm their actions are not problematic. They may assume that because the actions are intended to build a bond between students on the team through a ritual, the behaviors are acceptable."

But they're not, the school stressed, and they are seeking to hold those accountable.

No students names were provided, citing privacy issues.

"We will respect the privacy of all involved, but we wanted our parent community to know that swift and appropriate action in ... has been taken, with further action to follow after a thorough investigation," the email continued.

[ MHSAA football playoffs: Son of Swami predicts every first-round game ]

De La Salle had been scheduled to play Birmingham Groves on Friday in a Division 2, Region 4, District 1 game.

Catholic Central High School in Novi has canceled school Friday as well because of a similar threat, although it is not known if it is connected with the Warren De La Salle threat.

Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com