SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office claims it found sufficient evidence to charge at least four Mead High School football players with misdemeanor assault after an alleged hazing incident during a training camp last summer.
The Spokane County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney is currently reviewing the recommended charges according to the sheriff’s department.
A letter released to parents by Mead School District on Wednesday addressed the potential hazing involving the Mead High School Football Program during the summer of 2023.
The exact nature of the purported behavior was not revealed by the district in the letter, which was co-signed by Superintendent Travis Hanson, Principal Kimberly Jensen and Football Program Head Coach Keith Stamps.
“We do believe it’s important to share that a significant number of student/athletes took part (both directly and indirectly) in inappropriate and offensive behavior that involved elements of hazing, including acts of intimidation and targeted harassment,” the letter said.
The sheriff’s office states that it began investigating the purported behavior after a parent reached out to law enforcement.
Mead School District said that an internal investigation has only just begun, though the alleged conduct took place nine months ago.
“For many reasons, this has been a complex situation to navigate, and it’s important we acknowledge the toll this has taken on students and families,” the letter said.
The district shared a link to a google form for parents who have questions about the alleged hazing and harassment. A meeting to answer parental concerns is scheduled for May 13 at 6:30 pm on the high school’s campus.
Hanson, Jensen and Stamps concluded their message to the Mead community by looking to the future of the high school football program.
“Thank you for being a part of the future of Panther Football, partnering with us as we work to empower young people to reach their full potential, both on and off the field,” the letter said.
It is not clear whether law enforcement is involved in the investigation into what occurred at the camp last summer, or whether any players have been disciplined.
