http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/sports/10012003_sp_cheerleaderhazing.htmlCheerleader Hazing Accusations
SCRANTON, PA-October 1, 2003 — The University of Scranton received an anonymous letter detailing hazing allegations involving its basketball cheerleading squad, a university spokesman said.
The unsigned letter purported to be written by the parent of a freshman cheerleader who had recently made the team. It was addressed to the university\'s president, the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
"We are, right now, vigorously investigating the situation," university spokesman Gerry Zaboski said. "We are having some conversations with students and coaches and are trying to get to the bottom of it."
The letter said the cheerleading squad was planning an Oct. 3 initiation ritual that its new members would be forced to attend. The new cheerleaders were told they would have to consume alcohol until they became sick and would have to perform oral sex on a male athlete, according to the letter. If they refused, the letter said, their lives would be made difficult.
"While the coach was present, the captains sat everybody down ... and told them what they were going to do and that was the only way they could earn their respect," the letter stated.
The cheerleading coach, Danielle West, could not be reached for comment.
