Hughson school officials find no evidence of sexual assault in claimed football hazing

School officials on Thursday released a statement saying they found that “no sexual assault occurred” in a claimed hazing incident last month.

Several varsity football players were suspended and Huskies coach George Harp was not on the sideline during the Hughson High team’s game against Riverbank last week after allegations of hazing arose. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that detectives had launched an investigation into the incident but would not elaborate on its nature.

The incident sparked several comments on social media, including one explanation on a Twitter account linked to a Hughson High football player. He said players were playing with a stick but that they never used it to assault anyone, nor did they intend to do so.

The statement, issued by Hughson Unified School Superintendent Brian Beck, said, “The district has worked very closely with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation of an incident occurring in the Hughson High School football team locker room on October 29, 2014. The district has determined, based upon the investigation, that no sexual assault occurred.”

Sheriff’s detectives have not concluded their investigation, said Deputy Anthony Bejaran, a department spokesman. He said investigators didn’t know how long it would take.

Beck’s statement went on to say the district is handling the matter internally “with regard to any misconduct.” Citing privacy concerns of students, Beck said he could not comment further. “However, the district wants to ensure parents, students and the community that we take student safety issues very seriously.”

It is not clear what, if any, disciplinary actions have been taken or will remain in place when the Huskies play Ripon on Friday night. Several sources reported that Reyn Franca, a longtime former Hughson coach, will step in for Harp this week. Franca led Hughson to a pair of section titles and three trips to the finals in the 1990s.

Franca and Harp could not be reached for comment.

This story was originally published November 6, 2014 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Hughson school officials find no evidence of sexual assault in claimed football hazing."