UPDATE 2:57 P.M. 8/23/22 - Dr. Michael Leitera, Superintendent of Mohawk Area School District, issued a new statement regarding the junior varsity and varsity football programs' pause:
"The Junior Varsity and Varsity Football Program will remain inactive until at least Sunday, August 28, 2022. This includes all activities and games, both Junior Varsity and Varsity. The investigation into alleged misconduct involving the High School Football Team is ongoing. The District is still working with law enforcement and the District Administration continues its own investigation. Because this matter involves minor students and matters protected by student confidentiality, the District will not be providing additional details while the investigation is pending. Conducting a thorough investigation and prioritizing student safety remains the District’s highest priorities. A statement will be forthcoming when the investigation has been completed and the District would be appreciative if there is understanding and patience as the investigative process is being conducted."
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Mohawk High School’s football team is on pause after allegations of hazing.
The Lawrence County District Attorney’s office has launched an investigation into allegations of hazing on the Warriors football team.
The Class 2A football team hasn’t practiced since last Thursday.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, Mohawk’s scrimmage against Shenango was canceled over this past weekend and the team’s first regular season game against Union is also not happening.
Mohawk coach Tim McCutcheon told The Post-Gazette’s Mike White that he couldn’t comment directly on the investigation but did say, “Mohawk was very aggressive in handling of this situation. They shut us down as soon as any word about the accusations came out, and we will not play or practice until this has been sorted out.”
McCutcheon told White that he doesn’t know when the team will be able to begin activities again and that he is still the team’s head coach.
"The District has been made aware of allegations involving the high school football team and claims of potential unlawful activity," Mohawk Superintendent Michael Leitera said in a released statement.
"In accordance with legal requirements, the appropriate law enforcement authorities were contacted and the district's administration is conducting an investigation. Parents of football team members have been notified of the issue and all appropriate steps are being taken to insure the safety of the district's students and to investigate the matter thoroughly."
93.7 The Fan has reached out and is awaiting comment from Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa.