Colorado High School Names New Coach Following Hazing Incident

A Colorado high school football team was allowed to resume practice this week for the first time since being suspended amid a sexual misconduct and hazing investigation.

Falcon High School will now be lead by Josh Flores, who started the season as an assistant coach on the team, according to a report from KRDO News. In that report it was noted that Flores and school leaders met with the team and parents this week to recommit to behavioral expectations, a School District 49 spokesperson said.

In mid-September, the school’s resource officer was notified about a possible hazing incident involving the football team and “sexual misconduct.” A week later, the team was suspended pending an internal investigation. Last week, according to a report from KOAA NBC-5, School District 49 released a statement confirming the incident.

In the statement, the district said that several teammates participated, observed, and recorded the hazing and harassment. They went on to say that the students who initially reported the misconduct have been threatened and harassed.

Falcon High School principal Dr. Darryl Bonds sent out an email to parents late last week, informing them of updates on the situation, KRDO reported.

“Our team culture and safety also depends on player leadership that reflects the positive character of Falcon football. The revelation of hazing and harassment has reminded us that our system depends on individuals having the courage to care for each other, even when that care might create some personal discomfort or risk,” the principal wrote.

Below is an excerpt from the KOAA NBC-5 report.

The district also said they have since learned that several adults, “including multiple coaches and multiple parents, knew of hazing and harassment activities within the FHS football team that later escalated into the claims that are under investigation.” They said right now those coaches are on leave from District 49.

The #Falcon football team found out on Tuesday their season was suspended until further notice, as a result of an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations, according to @EPCSheriff.

District 49 says many parents and coaches knew about the hazing and harassment:@KOAA pic.twitter.com/rgXEpm4Y2a

— Colette Bordelon (@ColetteBordelon) September 22, 2021