Police in the Bay Area community of El Cerrito are investigating disturbing hazing and sexual battery allegations involving players from the reigning state champion El Cerrito High School football team.
El Cerrito captured a CIF state championship last December. Following what police described as a “comprehensive investigation,” authorities said as many as 22 current and former students could be arrested for their suspected involvement in the alleged misconduct.
The El Cerrito Police Department said investigators uncovered troubling video evidence and conducted extensive interviews with alleged victims, school employees, and witnesses.
The allegations reportedly include battery, sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, dissuading a victim, conspiracy, and stalking. Police said the incidents occurred between September 2024 and 2026.
Investigators worked with officials from the West Contra Costa Unified School District during the inquiry.
“The investigation remains active, and detectives are continuing to evaluate evidence. The Police Department anticipates making multiple arrests as the investigation progresses,” El Cerrito police said.
School officials denounced the alleged conduct and announced the suspension of the championship football program.
“No child should ever experience what our students have described,” West Contra Costa Unified School District Superintendent Cheryl Cotton said in a news release.
“While we have worked to focus on accountability for the actions of individual players up until this point, new information has led to new decisions. We must now make the very tough call to immediately suspend the El Cerrito High football program in order to prevent any further harm and restore a safe learning environment for our students,” Cotton added.
The team’s head coach has also been placed on leave while the investigation continues.
El Cerrito police said they would not provide further details, citing the need to protect juvenile victims’ privacy and preserve the investigation’s integrity.
El Cerrito opened the season with a 6-3 record and was scheduled to play De Anza High School this Friday. The Gauchos had won three consecutive games by a combined score of 117-13.
El Cerrito is located in Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area.