Seven football players from Sayreville War Memorial High School in New Jersey have been charged for allegedly sodomozing four teammates in the locker room in a hazing scandal that has rocked the town.
Four days ago, the nation learned about an alleged sexual hazing incident that took place in the team's locker room on four different occasions. Six football players were arrested Friday and a seventh "is being sought at this time," according to police. Since all of the players' ages range from 15 to 17, their names have not been released.
The gruesome and violent details of what took place in the locker room and how the more seasoned players reportedly targeted new players on the team are not to be believed.
The team's hazing rituals reportedly included turning off the lights in the locker room while players made howling noises. Younger players were then reportedly held down while the older members put their fingers in their rectums and then placed their fingers in the victims' mouths.
The incidents allegedly took place between Sept. 19 and Sept. 29 and accusations include holding victims "against their will, while other juvenile defendants improperly touched the juvenile victims in a sexual manner." The report also claims that "in one instance, one of the juvenile victims was kicked during an attack."
After learning about these allegations, the school's superintendent canceled the rest of Sayreville's football season -- a decision that did not sit well with many residents in the community.
Three of the players who were arrested were reportedly charged with "aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, conspiracy to commit aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal restraint, and hazing for engaging in an act of sexual penetration upon one of the juvenile victims." Family Court will decide whether the teens will be released to their families or held at a detention center until their court hearing.
The hazing was reportedly exposed after "one or two" brave players reported what they say they witnessed taking place in the locker room.
A horrible scandal like this doesn't just affect a few people -- it cripples an entire community. Prior to this incident, Sayreville's football team was very well regarded. With hope, the town can put this behind them and come out even stronger.
What consequences do you feel these young football players should face for these alleged crimes?
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