St. Joseph's University cancels remainder of softball season after hazing investigation

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- St. Joseph's University announced Friday that they have suspended the women's softball team for the remainder of the season.

The decision comes after a university investigation of hazing allegations against four students on the team.

Action News had previously reported that freshman players were given written instructions on things they had to do or there would be consequences.

It's alleged that those students had to consume alcohol, perform sexual acts involving inappropriate touching and lap dances, and other acts to graphic to outline.

In a letter obtained by Action News, one of the suspended players concedes - in her words - "You know just as well as I do, our team had a freshman welcome week, there is no denying that."

The player acknowledged the existence of the letter outlining those things, but she says everything was meant to be voluntary.

The player says she now realizes that some students may have thought that they were required.

In the letter she refers to the inappropriate touching by saying, "To us, this is no big deal because we do that all the time."

She also goes on to say, "One of the events planned was a lap dance."

The player ends the letter, in part, by saying she made a mistake, "But will not make the same mistake again. I apologize for this from the bottom of my heart."

A spokesperson for the university released the following statement:

"Saint Joseph's University has concluded a Community Standards review process in the ongoing women's softball matter. Due to violations of campus community standards, the women's softball team will not be participating in scheduled contests for the remainder of the season. The Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents the University from addressing individual student-athletes or specific violations and SJU will have no further statements at this time."