It is not uncommon to hear about “hazing” incidents among athletes. Typically, underclassmen in high schools or colleges, and rookies on semi-professional levels, are subjected to various gags of torment and hazing by upperclassmen and veterans. It has gone on for decades. In fact, according to a report by ESPN, as many as 68 reports of hazing took place between 1980 and 2002 by high school, college, and professional sports teams, many of which involved sexual acts. According to a more recent study by the Vanderbilt Medical Center, as many as 47 percent of student athletes have been subjected to hazing in their careers.
While some instances are relatively harmless, such as making the athletes dress in costumes or wait on other athletes, sometimes it can be taken too far. And, in some extreme cases, as we have recently learned, it can get severe and harmful.
The Texas Rangers, a Major League Baseball team, have come under recent fire for their actions regarding the hazing of rookies on the team. Eight players were recently interviewed by authorities regarding the incident, which came to light in a video showing players sexually assaulting an underage fellow teammate. Two players are expected to be charged following the incident.
All workers in the United States, whether you work in an office, construction site or baseball field, are entitled to work in an hostile-free working environment, free of sexual harassment and sexual assault. If you believe that you have been a victim of sexual harassment, it is important to get more information about legal options in order to protect yourself and fellow employees from future harassment.
Source: Yahoo! Sports, “Texas Rangers sexual assault case proves hazing must stop,” Chris Cwik, Nov. 21, 2016
