Suspended St, Joseph's University softball player opens up about hazing allegations

WYNNFIELD (WPVI) -- Sources tell Action News that four students, who were suspended from the St. Joseph's University women's softball team amid hazing allegations, met with investigators on Thursday.

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

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.

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."

Regarding the letter, a St. Joseph's University spokesman said in an email:

St. Joseph's review of the women's softball allegations is ongoing. Federal law requires that the university treat matters involving its students as confidential. Consistent with its legal obligations regarding student privacy, the university will not identify or discuss students or student records.

But sources tell Action News that on the side of caution, the university has taken security measures to protect the two players who left the team after being blamed for leaking the alleged hazing scandal.

According to sources, one of the teammates was even moved from her dorm room.

The university investigation is expected to be completed in about a week.