22 California High School Football Players Suspected in Hazing Scandal — Police Expect Multiple Arrests

A California high school football program has been suspended after an investigation uncovered allegations of widespread hazing, bullying and assault involving current and former members of the team. Authorities in El Cerrito, in the San Francisco Bay Area, say they have identified 22 individuals suspected of involvement in incidents that allegedly took place over a period of more than two years. The investigation has raised serious concerns about student safety and prompted school officials to take immediate action.

According to the El Cerrito Police Department, the investigation began on October 2, 2026, after a mandated reporter alerted authorities to allegations that members of the El Cerrito High School football team were bullying and hazing their own teammates. The alleged victims were also students on the team. Detectives subsequently interviewed victims, witnesses and school staff as they worked to establish what had happened and how long the conduct had continued.

Investigators say the alleged incidents occurred between September 2024 and October 2026. The potential offenses under investigation include battery, sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, dissuading a victim, conspiracy and stalking. Police also reported obtaining video evidence that they say corroborated victims’ accounts and provided additional support for the allegations. Although authorities have not released specific details about individual incidents, they confirmed that 22 current or former students have been identified as suspected participants.

The police department warned that the investigation could lead to multiple arrests. In its statement, the department said detectives were continuing to evaluate evidence and investigate the suspected involvement of those identified. Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the case as of the latest reports. Police also declined to disclose further details, citing the need to protect the privacy of juvenile victims, witnesses and suspects.

Following the announcement, the West Contra Costa Unified School District immediately suspended the El Cerrito High football program. Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said the decision was made to prevent further harm and restore a safe learning environment. The team’s head coach, Tim Johnson, was also placed on leave while an independent third party conducts a separate investigation under Title IX, the federal law addressing sex-based discrimination in education. The district said it would provide support resources for affected students and introduce anti-hazing and bystander education across classrooms.

The suspension brings an abrupt halt to a season for a team that had been 6-3 and was coming off a historic achievement: winning its first-ever California state championship in 2025. But school officials say student safety must come before athletics. As investigators continue reviewing evidence, families and the wider community are waiting to learn whether arrests will follow and how the school will address the allegations. For now, the case remains active, and the 22 individuals identified by police have not been publicly charged.

Source: PEOPLE