No charges filed in alleged CSUDH soccer hazing
Daily Breeze 1/4/07
Citing insufficient evidence, the District Attorney's Office dismissed allegations made by former team member Holly Krueger, who alleged she lost her spot on the soccer squad because she refused to participate in hazing activities.
"It's so outrageous," Krueger said. "They are just letting it blow over their shoulders. Even if you do something wrong, there's no consequences."
Dominguez Hills officials said they were pleased with the decision, which was made just before Christmas.
"Valuable lessons were learned throughout this process and we appreciate the support of those who patiently stood by us as the situation was investigated, and hope that those who may have rushed to judgment are satisfied with this result as well," Athletics Director Patrick Guillen said in a statement Wednesday.
Jim Koller, assistant head deputy of the district attorney's Torrance branch office, said this week that Krueger's allegations that veteran team members forced recruits to drink excessively, wear diapers and perform simulated sex acts in public could not be proved in court beyond a reasonable doubt.
"There were multiple versions as to what was fun and consensual and what was not," Koller said.
Hazing initiations to join college sports teams are illegal in California.
Prosecutors made the decision after reviewing reports compiled during a Lomita sheriff's investigation that involved interviews with team members about what happened Aug. 20 at a player's home in Rancho Palos Verdes and on the plaza in Hermosa Beach.
"It was our opinion that this event was best handled administratively and not criminally," Koller said. "That was based on the multiple versions of what occurred and the lack of any injuries and the lack of any prior negative conduct or inappropriate conduct by any of the participants."
Koller said Dominguez Hills officials have "the ability to impose sanctions should they feel that is necessary" against students and Krueger has the right to sue for damages.
In November, school officials released a statement saying that an internal investigation into Krueger's allegations had been conducted at the Carson campus and "the individuals involved were dealt with appropriately."
Krueger, a 20-year-old walk-on soccer player, filed a police report in October saying 15 team newcomers and freshman players were required to participate in an initiation at the conclusion of summer practices, just before the season's start.
The activity, Krueger said, involved heavy drinking, something she did not want to do.
Team captains forced newcomers to wear sports bras and adult diapers, and inked sexually suggestive drawings on their faces.
Krueger said the women were taken to the Pier Plaza in Hermosa Beach, forced to participate in a scavenger hunt and ordered to perform simulated sex acts in front of onlookers.
Back at the house, she said, members drank heavily and were forced to bob for pickles in a bucket filled with a foul-smelling liquid. A young man said he had urinated in it.
Krueger participated in the scavenger hunt and dipped her face in the bucket but refused to join in the heavy drinking. She then left the house.
At practice the next day, team members ostracized her, Krueger said, saying she could not be trusted and had ruined the initiation. Coaches, she said, left her off the team's travel roster, and she never returned to the Toros.
Krueger's van later was stolen. Her soccer jersey, which was inside, was soon found hanging outside her apartment door, cut into shreds.
Krueger finished out the semester last month, and has transferred to California State University, Fullerton to continue earning a teaching credential.
"I've left Dominguez. I never want to hear about that school," she said. "My (soccer) career is done, unfortunately. I'm going to worry about getting my life on track."
Krueger's mother, Lisa Krueger, said she and her husband have consulted with an attorney, but have not decided if they will take civil action.
"The hazing happened," the mother said. "The person who had the biggest problem with the hazing, and the one most affected by it, has faced the most consequences. Isn't that funny?"
Dominguez Hills' Guillen said the Athletics Department will continue "its commitment to maintaining the highest level of integrity, ethics and sportsmanship both on and off the field of play."
In a statement, he said: "The coaching staff, Athletics Department
and university all are glad this chapter is behind us as we look forward
to a successful 2007 season."