Lake Catholic High School football team forfeits first game of season due to hazing investigation

Lake Catholic High School's varsity football team will not be taking the field for the start of the season. 

Due to recent allegations of hazing, the high school decided to take disciplinary action in the form of a one-game suspension for several players on the varsity football team, according to a statement released by the school. 

As a result, there will not be enough active players on the team to play in the first game of the season, which was scheduled for Saturday against Toledo St. John's Jesuit High School. Lake Catholic said it has information St. John's of its decision to forfeit the game.

Read the full statement below, released Thursday:

As a result of its investigation into the recent allegations of hazing, Lake Catholic High School has determined that certain disciplinary action, in accordance with the school’s policies and Student Code of Conduct, is necessary to address this serious issue. As part of this disciplinary action, the school has issued a one-game suspension to a number of players on its varsity football team.

Consequently, the team is unable to field a squad sufficient in number to play this Saturday’s home game against Toledo St. John’s Jesuit High School. Lake Catholic has notified Toledo St. John’s Jesuit High School of its intent to forfeit the game.

Lake Catholic High School strives to create a truly Catholic environment in which all students are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve as children of God. As such, Lake Catholic does not tolerate actions by its students or staff members which are contrary to our Catholic values and character.

Lake Catholic is in the process of conducting an investigation into possible hazing at a three day football camp on July 11, that was held at John Carroll University, according to the police report.

Tim Streid with the Ohio High School Athletic Association tells newsnet5.com it will review Lake Catholic's report on the investigation. He adds while Lake Catholic may be calling the game a forfeit, it will actually be considered a no contest, meaning it will not count as a win or loss for either team.