Niles North High School in Skokie has suspended its varsity football season until further notice because of "a possible hazing incident," according to a statement on the Niles Township High School District website.
In the statement, dated Monday, district officials say the school became aware of "a possible hazing incident involving the varsity football team."
"Over the weekend, school officials took immediate action based on the reports received. The school immediately notified the Skokie Police Department, and Niles North is working in conjunction with Skokie Police during this investigation. Because this is a matter under investigation, Niles North will suspend its Varsity Football operations until further notice."
In a statement released Tuesday morning, Skokie Police Sgt. John Moersfelder said interviews of "juvenile athletes/students and coaching staff will take place over the next few days."
Moersfelder also encouraged anyone with information on the matter to contact the police department at 847-982-5900 or through the department's 24-hour automated Crime Tip Hot Line at 847-933-TIPS.
School Principal James Edwards said in the Monday statement: "The safety and security of our students is our top priority. We have zero tolerance of hazing or even the threat of it. Because this is a matter that involves student confidentiality, we ask that our students and families be patient as the investigation unfolds."
According to the statement, Edwards also sent a letter to parents and guardians Monday. It read:
"This note is to alert you to a possible hazing incident at Niles North High School. ... I am sharing this information with you so that you are aware of it, because we have zero tolerance for hazing, bullying or other forms of harassment. ...
"Even though this will be a difficult time for our school, I believe that if we pull together and work to act upon the principle that we treat each other with the respect and dignity we all deserve, Niles North will become an even stronger school community."
No other information about the investigation was immediately available.
Niles North's varsity team has a 2-3 record this season, according to the Illinois High School Association website. The team was scheduled to play Maine South on Thursday night in Skokie and had three other regular-season games scheduled beyond that, according to the Niles North athletics website.
This is the second hazing-related story involving a Chicago-area football team in the last week. Prosecutors in DuPage County brought felony charges against five Wheaton College football players after a former player said he was a victim of hazing. The five were suspended by the school from future games and practices.
Fonts: http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-niles-north-high-school-football-hazing-20170926-story.html
