El Cerrito High School football program and coach suspended after hazing allegations involving 22 teammates

EL CERRITO, Calif. (KGO) — The El Cerrito High School football program has been suspended following a police investigation into allegations of hazing and bullying involving current and former players, school district officials said.

The move came after El Cerrito police revealed 22 current and former football players were under investigation.

“Given what we now know about the scope of law enforcement’s investigation, we must immediately suspend the program to ensure there is no further harm to students,” said Liz Sanders, assistant superintendent of communications for the West Contra Costa Unified School District.

District officials said they first became aware of the allegations last month.

“It was on October 2 that we became aware of these allegations and immediately reported them to law enforcement,” Sanders said.

According to El Cerrito police, the alleged incidents occurred between September 2024 and October 2026.

“We learned that approximately 22 subjects were involved in this hazing and harassment,” said Captain Lauren Caputo of the El Cerrito Police Department. “And we investigate crimes of battery, sexual battery, stalking and other crimes.”

The El Cerrito High School football team won a state championship in 2025. Police said the alleged incidents occurred on school grounds and involved football players targeting their own teammates.

“Our detectives began an investigation. During this investigation, they conducted numerous interviews with school staff, witnesses and also victims. Through these interviews, they were able to obtain video evidence that further corroborated some of the victims’ allegations,” Caputo said.

The school district also confirmed that the head football coach had been placed on leave.

“It is possible that a coach could face charges in this incident,” Caputo said.

Parents unhappy after football program suspended

El Cerrito High School parents and players said they are shocked and frustrated after the West Contra Costa Unified School District suspended the football program amid an investigation into hazing and bullying.

ABC7 Eyewitness News spoke with several parents who argued the entire program should not be punished before charges are filed.

“People shouldn’t be penalized for the actions of others,” said Katrice West, whose son plays on the team.

Parents said they have been seeking more information from the district for months.

“Parents don’t know anything. They tell us like everyone else knows,” said Kandice Ward, another soccer parent.

Players and parents noted that no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed. Some players also said some people linked to the investigation had already transferred to independent study programs, although the district did not confirm that information.

“We’re definitely not a bad group of kids,” El Cerrito football player Namon West IV said. “I see a lot of my teammates. They work really hard in class to make sure they’re good.”

Ward said her son was not involved in the allegations and questioned why the entire program was suspended.

“My son is a 4.0 student. He has nothing to do with it, and you’re taking away the entire program for what?” she said.

Police said they expect charges to be filed as the investigation continues.