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A Rhode Island high school’s decision to reinstate football players following a hazing controversy is under the spotlight. Smithfield High has officially concluded a weeks-long investigation into bullying claims.
The news comes with the playoffs quickly approaching. The Sentinels have one game left on the regular season schedule.
Earlier this month, the school announced the decision to end a handful of players’ seasons. Included were five senior players.
Hazing accusations were at the root of the cause. A freshman team member was allegedly mistreated.
Smithfield High School suspended football players.
“Smithfield school leaders are investigating an alleged hazing and antisemitic incident connected to students on the high school football team,” reported WJAR in Rhode Island.
A letter was sent out by administration to inform the community of the situation.
We want to make you aware that our district is currently conducting an investigation into a reported recent incident involving alleged hazing and antisemitic remarks connected to students on the Smithfield High School football team…
Smithfield Public Schools maintains a zero-tolerance policy for hazing, bullying, and harassment in any form.
That letter did not go into detail on the accusation. An investigation, however, resulted in football players being sidelined.
“The investigation confirmed inappropriate conduct among a small number of students,” superintendent Dawn Bartz said in a statement.
“Disciplinary action has been taken in accordance with district policy, and several student-athletes will not participate for the remainder of the season.”
The victim’s family later revealed its claim.
“From our understanding, five members of the football team, locked the Jewish freshman student in the bathroom, and sprayed Lysol into the bathroom and yelled antisemitic epithets at the student.”
-Adam Greenman, President of The Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island
The players have been reinstated.
The previously suspended team members are reportedly back at practice. That decision has been questioned. The school did provide many answers.
“The disciplinary process has concluded,” the Smithfield Superintendent said in a statement. “And we will not be discussing details involving students.”
The timing of the suspension reversal is curious. Smithfield will be gearing up for the high school football playoffs in early November, though it’s not immediately clear the impact those players will have moving forward.
At 5-2 on the year, with a 5-1 mark in league play, the Sentinels are firmly in the postseason conversation.
Smithfield won a state championship in 2022. It came a game away from a second title game appearance in three seasons last year.
The program will now look to make another playoff run with the re-addition of the five seniors.