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Read the press release here.

Hazing Allegations Force Staten Island School to Suspend Football Team

By Nicholas Rizzi | September 2, 2015 2:11pm
 Games and practices for Susan E. Wagner High School's football team were suspended after reports of hazing by older players were reported.
Games and practices for Susan E. Wagner High School's football team were suspended after reports of hazing by older players were reported.
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DNAinfo/Nicholas Rizzi

EMERSON HILL — Education officials have suspended the Susan E. Wagner High School football program, including games and practices, during an investigation into player hazing.

Principal Gary Giordano wrote in a letter to parents that junior and varsity players for the Wagner Falcons had been accused of "student misconduct" last week while at a football camp in Copake, in Columbia County.

A volunteer coach has been suspended during an investigation into the reports, Giordano wrote.

"Our school community takes great pride in all of our programs and we have a zero tolerance approach to any type of misconduct," Giordano wrote. "All those involved will be held accountable for their behavior."

While Giordano did not detail the alleged incidents of hazing in his letter, a parent told ABC7 his son said students shot at younger players with BB guns, hit them with socks filled with powder while they showered, sat on their faces and drew phallic symbols on them while they slept.

"These kids know when the coaches go to sleep — it's on," the father, who did not give his name, told ABC7. "It's time to get busy. Let's go do what we got to do."

The father said a dozen students were targeted during the seven-day camp.

A spokesman for the Department of Education confirmed it is investigating the incidents but could not detail how many students filed reports.

"We have no tolerance for this type of behavior and the matter is under investigation," said department spokesman Jason Fink.

"One volunteer coach has been suspended during the ongoing investigation and practices have been halted."

Longtime head coach for the football team Alan Paturzo, who confirmed with the Staten Island Advance he was at the camp during the alleged incidents, could not be reached for comment.

Last year Paturzo, the school and the city were sued by parents of a player who claimed Paturzo did nothing while their son got his jaw broken trying to break up a locker room fight. The suit was settled in June for $50,000.

Paturzo, who has coached the team since 1984, has won several championships and leads the Public Schools Athletic League for career wins in football. He also came under fire in 1998 after a 14-year-old player died after an unofficial preseason practice.

A report from the School's Special Commissioner of Investigation later found the player's death wasn't caused by Paturzo's workouts, but scolded him for hosting the unofficial practices before students were given medical examinations.

It's unclear if the team will have to forfeit its season opener against Port Richmond High School scheduled for Saturday.