Baylor University announced on Friday that they have suspended 14 baseball players due to a hazing incident that allegedly occurred in February 2019.
According to Baylor athletic director Mark Rhoades, the 14 players will each be suspended for two games. The season begins on Feb. 14, and due to the number of players involved, “the suspensions will be staggered over the couse of three week beginnin with the season opener.”
Rhoades added, “The university takes such matters very seriously. Our priority is to provide a safe and caring environment for all student-athletes. This type of behavior is not reflective of the mission and vision of Baylor Athletics.”
Baylor also said that no drugs or alcohol were involved in the hazing incident, and they became aware of the incident last May.
Baylor head baseball coach Steve Rodriguez said that he’s “very disappointed with this incident,” via KWTX:
“I am very disappointed with this incident,” said Head Baseball Coach, Steve Rodriguez.
“We do not condone such behavior and respect the thorough investigation and decision by the university on the matter and will move forward.”
Baylor went 35-19 in the 2019 season, and had their season end in the Los Angeles regionals. The Bears open their season with a three-game home series against Nebraska on Feb. 14-17.
[Photo Credit: Matthew McBrayer; Sic’Em 365]