UNCC suspends all baseball operations to investigate hazing

The Story:

The 49ers have stopped all baseball activities and suspended several players in the wake of a hazing investigation.

The Facts:

– Not a lot being revealed right now. No names, no exact charges. The university defines hazing as endangering the mental, physical or emotional health of a person through actions that “demean, disgrace or embarrass.”

– The athletic department has handed the investigation off to UNCC’s Office of Legal Affairs. In the meantime, no coaches meetings, off-season workouts or skills instruction.

The Quote:

“It probably isn’t okay, no matter what, but I think a little bit of friendly hazing is to be expected. It builds trust within the team and stuff like that.” — UNCC student, whom we assume has never been hazed.

C5’s Take:

And the college athletic scandals continue in the UNC system. UNCC is smart to get in front of this and have a separate arm do the initial investigation. A third investigating party, separate from UNCC, may be a smart next step.

Photo: John D. Simmons / Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published November 24, 2014 at 6:17 AM with the headline "UNCC suspends all baseball operations to investigate hazing."