Several Columbia University wrestlers who sent "appalling" text messages that included homophobic, racist and sexist slurs would not compete until the school conducts a full investigation, the university said in a statement Monday.

The messages, which were sent using the group messaging app GroupMe, were first reported by the campus news site Bwog on Nov. 10.

In the statement, the university said it has "zero tolerance" for messages sent by several members of the men's varsity wrestling team.

"They are appalling, at odds with the core values of the University, and violate team guidelines," the statement said.

An investigation was already underway, the statement added, though the athletics department concluded the wrestlers will not compete "until we have a full understanding of the facts on which to base the official response to this disturbing matter."