NEWS FLASH: Viera High School Football Season, Head Coach Suspended After Investigation into Hazing Incident

45-second video has been circulated on social media

RENDELL: Hazing, bullying, and intimidation have no place in Brevard Public Schools. We have spent the past several days investigating the hazing incident involving members of the Viera High football team. Today, we have made the decision to suspend all Viera High football team activities (varsity and junior varsity) until further notice and we have relieved the varsity head coach of his duties until further notice.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell released a statement announcing all varsity and junior varsity Viera High School football team activities have been suspended until further notice in response to a hazing incident that happened with members of the football team that was recorded on video.

Rendell went on to say varsity head coach Shane Staples has been relieved of his duties and several players were suspended until further notice.

Rendell’s released this statement on Sunday afternoon:

Hazing, bullying, and intimidation have no place in Brevard Public Schools. We have spent the past several days investigating the hazing incident involving members of the Viera High football team.

Today, we have made the decision to suspend all Viera High football team activities (varsity and junior varsity) until further notice and we have relieved the varsity head coach of his duties until further notice.

In an effort to educate the team to the seriousness of this incident, all Viera High football players will he required to take part in an anti-hazing educational program before there is a possibility that the football program could be reinstated.

We will also host a parent-player team meeting to begin the process of improving team culture and raising expectations. Per BPS procedure, the players suspended for their actions will not be permitted to attend the meeting.

I am confident a decision on the future of this year’s football season and the suspended players will be made soon. With that said, it is important to remember that this investigation is not over; district security, law enforcement, and the school district are still collecting information.

Again, hazing has no place in Brevard Public Schools, and we must always act in the best interest and safety of our students.

This is a developing story, stay tuned to Space Coast Daily for updates.

PREVIOUS RELATED STORY:

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA (Aug. 19, 2023) — Viera High School officials are investigating an alleged hazing incident that happened with members of the football team that was recorded on video prior to the start of the school on Aug. 10.

There have been mixed reports and speculation of what exactly occurred, and the following statement from Viera High School Principal Heather LeGate outlining the situation was released Saturday evening:

Hello, Hawk Nation.

I wish the victories at the kickoff classic weren’t overshadowed by the situation currently circulating within our school community. As I’ve said to you before, I believe in transparency with my parents and community but there are times when the information I can give is limited.

Anytime students are involved, I must adhere to FERPA, (Federal Educational Right to Privacy Act), when speaking about an incident.

This prohibits me from giving names, details, and outcomes of disciplinary action. I can tell you that there was an incident this week involving multiple students. Please rest assured that I am investigating the situation and following the discipline policy set forth by Brevard Public Schools. I know that we are all on the same page about keeping every student safe on and off campus and appreciate your continued support.

Sincerely,
Heather LeGate,
M.Ed. Principal Viera High School

The 45-second video, which was apparently shot by Viera football players in a locker room setting, has been circulated on social media and depicts the incident that LeGate is now investigating.

“There is an ongoing investigation into the actions of multiple Viera High School students,” said a Brevard Public Schools spokesperson. “Our focus is to work with district security and school-based administrators to complete a thorough investigation in a timely manner.”

The Hawk football team’s 2023 regular season begins next Friday at South Fork.

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