Allegations Of Widespread, Violent Hazing End Champion East Bay Football Team’s Season

EL CERRITO, CA — The El Cerrito High School football team's season came to a close early this year after more than a dozen players were accused of bullying and hazing, prompting a criminal investigation, authorities said.

The El Cerrito Police Department said 22 players are suspected of abusing other teammates starting in September 2024 and ending when the accusations came to light.

A mandated reporter recently learned about the abuse, which is believed to include battery, sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, dissuading a victim, conspiracy, and stalking, and contacted the department, police said

"The investigation remains active, and detectives are continuing to evaluate evidence," police said in a statement Thursday morning. "The Police Department anticipates making multiple arrests as the investigation progresses."

West Contra Costa Unified School District officials said the football program has been suspended amid the investigation and head coach Tim Johnson is on leave.

"No child should ever experience what our students have described," WCCUSD Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said in a statement. "While we have worked to focus on accountability for the actions of individual players up until this point, new information has led to new decisions."

El Cerrito High's football team last year won the CIF State Division 4-A championship and had a 6-3 record so far this season.

District officials said the school will be implementing anti-hazing and bystander education across classrooms and is providing resources for the students involved.

Bay City News contributed to this report.