Westlake High investigating alleged hazing involving football team

District and school officials are investigating an alleged hazing incident involving Westlake High School football players who were in Hawaii last week for games.

At least two players were taken into custody following the incident, which Honolulu police said occurred Wednesday night at a hotel. Officer N. Marzan said “some players” were brought into a police station, but by Monday at least two had been released.

Conejo Valley Unified School District Superintendent Jeffrey Baarstad told KTLA he did not believe the players would face criminal charges. He said the hazing allegations stemmed from freshman players teasing seniors.

“What we believe happened is a shoving match between boys in a hotel room that has been blown way out of proportion,” he said.

More than 150 players were in Hawaii to play varsity, junior variety and freshman games. Baarstad told KTLA five players were suspended from playing in Hawaii, and may face other consequences depending on the investigation.

“They may be suspended for several games,” he added. “They may be suspended from the team.”

District officials are scheduled to meet with Coach Jim Benkert on Monday morning to discuss the incident.

The school and district “will continue to investigate until we know exactly what happened,” Baarstad told KTLA.

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