Half of University of San Diego football team facing discipline for alleged hazing

Approximately half of the University of San Diego football team is facing disciplinary action just before the season's start after an investigation into alleged hazing within the program.

The names of the players facing disciplinary action were not released, but the university said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports that the actions taken include players receiving indefinite game suspensions.

The university said first-year head coach Brandon Moore was notified of the hazing allegations on Aug. 18, and then reported it to athletic director Bill McGillis. As a result, team activities were suspended as officials began an investigation, which included interviewing players.

"As a result of this preliminary investigation, approximately half the football team, who were either active or passive participants, will face varying degrees of disciplinary action," the university said.

Players could face more discipline from the university, as the announced disciplinary actions relate only to athletic participation. The university said it has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing, adding Moore and school administrators addressed the policy "in multiple settings" at the beginning of fall camp.

The university said no physical injuries were reported, and it shared the results of its investigation with the San Diego Police Department. San Diego also invited a third party to review the alleged hazing.

The hazing allegations in San Diego come more than a month after the Northwestern football team was rocked by a hazing scandal, with former players saying hazing took place throughout the tenure of Pat Fitzgerald. The fallout led to Fitzgerald's firing on July 10 and several former athletes have filed lawsuits against the school.

San Diego said practice resumed on Aug. 23 and players that were not suspended will still be eligible to play this season. The Toreros will play their 2023 season opener as scheduled, which will be on the road against Cal Poly on Saturday.