Wall HS Football Game Cancelled Amid Hazing Probe

WALL, NJ - A Wall High School playoff football game has been cancelled amid a hazing investigation concerning members of the team, according to Wall Township Public Schools Superintendent Tracy Handerhan.

The team was slated to play a home game against Delsea on Friday night with a state championship spot at stake, according to NJ.com. It’s unclear whether the Wall team will still play the annual Thanksgiving Day game against Manasquan.

According to a written statement, Handerhan maintains that, after hearing of the hazing rumor, “the school immediately contacted law enforcement and appropriate state agencies.”

“Because of this pending investigation, and after consultation with the board counsel, administration and the office of the Monmouth County Interim Executive County Superintendent, the football game scheduled for this Friday is canceled,” Handerhan wrote.

Previous Coverage: Broomstick Involved In Wall High School Hazing: Report

The memo was released one day after allegations of hazing among members of the football team were reported. NJ.com also reported that two parents of students at the high school shared details about a video that showed an incident in which one of the players was holding a mop or a broomstick.

About half a dozen older players in the Wall High School football program tried to pin down a younger player in the locker room, according to allegations that led to an investigation, the publication reported.

The video does not show sodomy explicitly, but the parents told the publication that they think that is what some of the older players were attempting.

The parents also claimed that the attacks happened more than once during this season.
Wall Township Board of Education President Ralph Addonizio confirmed this week that the hazing allegation was being investigated:

"Upon becoming aware of the allegation, we immediately contacted the appropriate authorities," Addonizio said in a statement over email. "There's a pending investigation, and the school district is cooperating fully. We cannot comment further on a pending investigation of a student matter."

The official said that all questions should be directed to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Public Information Officer Mark Spivey told Patch that, due to the confidential nature of juvenile records, the office cannot confirm or deny any details.

With reporting by Catarina Moura.