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Central Bucks West Football Season Canceled Amid Hazing Allegations

By Kim Glovas and Matt Rivers

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- The remainder of the football season at Central Bucks West High School, in Bucks County, was abruptly canceled today.

In an online statement, the Central Bucks School District superintendent says he has canceled all remaining varsity and junior varsity football games, effective immediately.  That includes the homecoming game scheduled for tomorrow night against Central Bucks East.

The statement also says all members of the varsity and JV coaching staffs have been suspended pending further investigation.

Superintendent David Weitzel says an ongoing investigation into hazing allegations shows improper conduct by members of the football team, and failure of the coaching staff to properly supervise activities.

The statement says the activities apparently happened in the pre-season, and were first reported to the school district on Tuesday, October 14th.  Interviews were then conducted with all team members and the entire coaching staff.

Published reports indicate that new team members were forced to grab the private parts of other new players.

The superintendent also apologized to any member of the football teams who may have been subjected to demeaning actions by other players.

CB West is one of the most accomplished football programs in the area. CBS 3 Sports Director Beasley Reece spoke to the man who built that dynasty by phone Thursday night.

Coach Mike Pettine helped West to national prominence winning 326 games against just 42 losses and four ties. He produced four state titles, several college and NFL stars. His son, Mike Pettine, Jr., who played at CB West, is now the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Reece asked Mike Pettine, Sr. for his reaction to the suspension of the season.

"Shocking, and it's also shocking for a lot of my former players. I've been getting emails, you know, it's a black eye on CB West football as one of my players indicated," Pettine, Sr. said.

"Just disappointed that our school is being represented that way," student Jake Cary said.

Central Bucks Regional Police also looked into the case. They added that several younger players had towels draped on their heads while wearing clothes, and were forced to stand in a shower.

"It all comes down to the name of CB West and what everyone is going to think about it now," student Holly Pyles said.

The school district says it will have no further comment until next Tuesday's board meeting.

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