Taylor Placed 'On Leave,' Five WHS Players Suspended for Alleged Hazing

Aug 21, 2006, 14:39

Update: by Dave Kopp

Shane Taylor

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- An alleged hazing incident is shaking up the Warrensburg High School football program. Head coach Shane Taylor has been placed on "indefinite administrative leave, with pay," and "disciplinary action" has been taken against five players by the R-VI School District while an investigation into the incident continues.

According to a prepared statement released by the R-VI District, the investigation centers on a violation of "district policy #2920" which stipulates that participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right, and that student-athletes agree to additional rules that may be imposed while also adhering to rules that apply to all students during the school day.

The incident is alleged to have occurred Aug. 9, during one of the Tigers' preseason practices.

"The district has clearly defined policies and expectations for player and staff behaviors," said Superintendent of Schools Deborah Orr in the R-VI news release. "When followed, these expectations insure safety and respect for players, staff and opponents. The district is consistent in requiring compliance with these policies and expectations."

Coach Shane Taylor watches his team during a scrimmage at the CMSU Football Camp earlier this summer. (Photo by Shane Kopp)

"Our primary focus is to facilitate an environment that gives our students the greatest opportunity for success," added WHS athletic director Jason Beavers. "Our department is also focused on providing the team with the support they need to overcome these difficult times and to have the most successful experience possible given the circumstances."

All of the disciplined players are minors and their names and details of their penalties are not being released. Sources tell digitalBURG.com the players are not being allowed to participate in this weekend's jamboree scrimmages at Webb City or the Tigers' season opener against Jefferson City Helias Sept. 1.

Beavers went on to say that the investigation was launched after the alleged incident was brought to his attention. The disciplinary actions are intended to serve as a deterrent, he said, to make sure such incidents do not happen again and to send a message to all student-athletes that they are supported by the administration.

Assistant coach Dane Ulrich is serving as head coach in the interim. The Tigers are slated to participate in the Webb City Jamboree on Friday.

When contacted by telephone Monday afternoon, Taylor said he "was not at liberty" to comment on the situation.

The Warrensburg R-VI Statement

Following is the official R-VI School District statement on the alleged incident and investigation:

The Warrensburg R-VI School District announced an investigation regarding violations of district policy #2920. An incident occurred during a regularly scheduled football practice on August 9, 2006.

As a result, disciplinary action was taken involving five football players. Coach Shane Taylor has been placed on indefinite administrative leave, with pay, as the investigation continues.

Superintendent Deborah Orr stated, "The district has clearly defined policies and expectations for player and staff behaviors. When followed, these expectations insure safety and respect for players, staff and opponents. The district is consistent in requiring compliance with these policies and expectations."

Jason Beavers, District Athletic Director said, "Our primary focus is to facilitate an environment that gives our students the greatest opportunity for success. Our department is also focused on providing the team with the support they need to overcome these difficult times and to have the most successful experience possible given the circumstances."

Interim coach is assistant coach Dane Ulrich.