SANTA ANA, Calif. (KNX) — The Roman Catholic Bishop of Orange and superintendent of the Diocese of Orange schools have asked for “patience” and “support” from the Mater Dei High School community following reports of alleged violent hazing and assault among football players.
“We write to you today to express our support for the Mater Dei High School community and its leadership at this time,” Bishop Kevin Vann, Superintendent Erin C. O. Barisano, and two auxiliary bishops wrote in a letter sent to Mater Dei families on Tuesday. “The recent media frenzy about the conduct of players on the Mater Dei High School football team is both concerning and saddening.”
The Orange County Register reported last month that a football player was allegedly beaten by a teammate as part of a violent hazing ritual known as “Bodies” in February. Mater Dei head football coach Bruce Rollinson has at times made conflicting statements about his knowledge of “Bodies.” He and Mater Dei Principal Clare Frances have been accused of orchestrating a coverup around the hazing incident, which resulted in one boy’s hospitalization and suspension from school.
The other student involved was reportedly the son of another Mater Dei football coach, and had avoided punishment at the time The Register reported the allegation.
On Monday, The Register reported that a Mater Dei basketball player was allegedly attacked and beaten by two Mater Dei football players as he left a gathering in Irvine in 2019. The player’s jaw was broken during the altercation, requiring surgery.
“He could be dead,” the victim’s mother told The Register.
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Members of the Mater Dei community have called for Clare and Rollinson to be fired.
The group directly requested “patience” and “support” for Mater Dei’s new president, Father Walter Jenkins, “who is intent on identifying and taking the steps necessary to promote the safety of students.”
Jenkins, who started in his role at Mater Dei in July, promised last week to launch an investigation into the safety practices of school athletic programs through an independent law firm.
Vann and Barisano’s letter expressed approval of a decision by the O.C. District Attorney’s Office last week to not prosecute the player involved in the hazing incident.
“Even so, we do not condone the conduct involved and deeply regret that a student was injured,” the letter stated.
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