The Clemson University women’s soccer team allegedly performed hazing rituals, which has resulted in a lawsuit against former coach Eddie Radwanski, several other Clemson coaches, former teammates and school administrators. This is the second hazing incident to come forth since New Mexico was hammered in August for brutal preseason hazing.
Haley Ellen Hunt says she was kidnapped, forced into the trunk of a car, made to perform “humiliating and demeaning acts,” and suffered a serious head injury after running into a brick wall.
Former athletic director, Terry Don Phillips, as well as 10 unnamed Clemson officials and assistant coaches were apparently aware of the team’s rituals.
Hunt claims that she’s, “suffered severe and permanent personal injuries including a traumatic brain injury.” The suit goes on to say that the tradition has occurred since 1900s and was a mandatory activity, which “included blindfolding the freshmen players at night, forcing them into the rear compartments of automobiles, driving the freshmen players around, forcing them to participate in embarrassing and humiliating acts, and forcing them to participate in a secret ritual using Team gear on the Team's home soccer field, Riggs Field."
On August 18, 2011, players blindfolded Hunt and other freshman and forced them into trunks of vehicles. The suit says they were driven around for 30 minutes, during which time they were told to do the "demeaning acts." They were then taken to Riggs Field to a room where they spun players in circles and then ordered them to run down the field.
Here is the rest of excerpt from the lawsuit. It’s pretty outrageous and cruel. With this as the second instance to come out since the New Mexico hazing, it is possible women's soccer has a hazing problem. Hazing isn't allowed by any stretch, but it seems to happen more than we think. Perhaps this news will bring out more instances acorss the country. Hunt is receiving “contenting neurological treatment” that requires daily medication and her vision is damaged.
Follow The18 Writer Bryce Badwan on twitter @bbadss
