While we would never want to encourage something like hazing here at LBS, it should be noted that oftentimes hazing involves good, clean fun. Take the MLB for example, where most of the rookie hazing we hear about consists of making players dress up as Smurfs or throw on an occasional speedo. In the NFL, the punishment usually comes in the form of a bad haircut or having to carry some extra pads after practice. The Neepawa Natives of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in Canada took things a little too far.
According to the Winnipeg Sun, two Natives coaches and 16 players have been suspended because of hazing incidents this season that involved seven rookie players. More specifically, one player’s parents says several of the rookies were forced to parade around the locker room with a water bottle holder tied to their junk. The holder allegedly had bottles of water in it and towels hanging from it to add weight.
The father of the 15-year-old — who was later forced to apologize to the team for ratting them out — said the older players forced the younger players to have a “rookie dance-off” and remove clothing to “make it sexier.” The veterans judged them based on their dancing performance, and one assistant coach was even said to be present while all of this was going on.
“It’s so wrong,” said the father of the 15-year old who came forward. “I didn’t think that it was around anymore. You can’t believe that it’s happening in this day and age.”
We certainly know hazing still exists in all sports across the country, but as we are shown annually in professional baseball there are ways to go about it without crossing the line. A little light-hearted embarrassment is one thing. Forcing 15-year-olds to strip and put the safety of their baby-makers is right up there with having a pool cue stuck in an unfriendly place.
