Rookies weren't forced to do anything, suspended Laurentian players say in statement

Joint statement on hazing allegations says no one was coerced or injured during a party at a friend's parents' home

In a joint statement the five Laurentian University basketball athletes suspended for alleged hazing activities said they have not received any written allegations from the university. File photo.

SUDBURY — In a joint statement, the five Laurentian University basketball athletes suspended for alleged hazing activities said they have not received any written allegations from the university.

“On Sept. 24, 2016, we attended a team party at a friend’s parents’ home. The party was an opportunity to engage off the court with those of our teammates who chose to attend," the statement, issued through the players' lawyer, states. "There was no coercion, no one was injured, and no one (including our teammates) raised a complaint with the University.

“Nonetheless, we find ourselves subject to a lengthy, confusing discipline process. We have been suspended and, to date, have missed five weeks of practice and seven games."

Laurentian University's school newspaper, The Lambda, broke a story earlier this week that said five Laurentian University men's basketball team players have been suspended after a hazing incident. However, questions linger about the nature of the alleged hazing and neither the university nor the players have said exactly what occurred that led to the suspensions.

According to The Lambda, veteran players Joe Sykes, Anthony Iacoe, Theo Thomas, JD West and David Aromolaran have all been suspended, and at least three of them were expected to be starters for the Voyageurs this season.

In a vaguely worded statement and after first refusing to comment, the university later confirmed the players were suspended.

“The students involved have chosen to avail themselves of a mechanism provided in our Athlete Code of Conduct to have their situation considered by a Committee of Inquiry,” the university said in a press release. “Out of respect for this process, and the people involved, the university isn’t able to comment further at this time.”

In their joint statement, the five players said they wish to thank their family and friends, who have “been very supportive during this difficult time.”

The players added they are proud of the basketball program and hope to see everyone at the home opener on Nov. 11.

- Sudbury.com