Sayreville HS Calls Off Entire Football Season Amid Allegations
SAYREVILLE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Sayreville High School in New Jersey has called off its entire football season, in the wake of serious allegations surrounding the school's football program.
As 1010 WINS' Kevin Rincon reported, Sayreville School Supt. Richard Labbe announced the cancellation of the whole season following a meeting with parents at the school Monday night.
Labbe said some players engaged in what the Middlesex County Prosecutor's office considers criminal behavior, and players knew.
School officials earlier declined to provide details of the allegations other than to describe them as "significant and serious" in nature. There were earlier reports that the incidents were sexual in nature.
But Labbe said the allegations were serious enough to warrant the harsh penalty.
"There were incidences of harassment, intimidation, and bullying that took place on a pervasive level, on a wide scale level, and on a level which the players knew, tolerated, and in general accepted," Labbe said. "Based upon what has been substantiated to have occurred, we are canceling the remainder of the season."
Sayreville HS Calls Off Entire Football Season Amid Allegations
As 1010 WINS' Rebecca Granet reported, questions have continued to surface about what exactly prompted the high school to cancel and ultimately forfeit varsity, junior varsity and freshman football games.
Sayreville HS Calls Off Entire Football Season Amid Allegations
The sudden game cancellations have left some wondering if the alleged conduct was of a sexual nature, the use of steroids or was a hazing incident, Granet reported.
Sayreville HS Holds Meeting With Parents On Allegations Involving Football Program
An assistant coach on the football team — Charlie Garcia, 38, of South Plainfield – has been charged with possessing steroids and syringes in Bridgewater.
The school's website said they will also discuss the future of the football season at the meeting.
The County Prosecutor's Office said there is an active investigation into the allegations at the school, and anyone with information is asked to call the Sayreville Police Department or the Prosecutor's Office.
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