Three men's soccer players were suspended from UB and the soccer team for allegedly hazing a freshman player at a North Campus party.
Sophomores Braden Byler, Brandon M. Foley and Erik Jaanimagi allegedly hazed the freshman at a Sept. 25 party in Spaulding Quad, according to police reports. Foley faces four additional charges relating to the incident.
The freshman player was hospitalized for dehydration and alcohol consumption in the early morning hours of Sept. 26, according to police. He was released later that day.
Police charged Foley with aggravated harassment, hazing in the first degree, and two counts that relate to providing alcohol to a minor.
On Sept. 27, the team's practices were cancelled for four days. The team returned to practice later that week.
Athletic officials confirmed that other players were suspended for their involvement but they have yet to release their names.
University officials will not take the hazing charges lightly, according to a statement released by Interim Athletic Director Bill Maher.
"The Division of Athletics will reiterate to all intercollegiate athletic teams a clear statement that hazing is not acceptable and that dangerous and demeaning activities will not be tolerated," Maher stated. "We consider this to be a very serious matter and we are committed to ensuring this situation does not reoccur."
The three sophomores face serious punishment if they are found guilty, according to Paul Vecchio, assistant athletic director for communication.
"Hazing is a violation of UB and state university policies, as well as state law," Paul Vecchio, assistant director of athletics said in a statement. "Within the State University, individuals found responsible for hazing are subject to suspension or expulsion and a permanent transcript notation."
The suspected players were referred to the Student-wide Judiciary for further prosecution.
Byler is currently the team's leading goal scorer with four goals this season. The forward has played in eight games this season, starting five.
Jaanimagi, a midfielder, started all nine games that he played in this season, recording one goal, one assist and 13 shots on goal. Foley started one game and appeared in two others for the Bulls this season as a goalie.
The Bulls, who began the 2004 season with a 6-0-1 record, have lost four straight games, including two Mid-American Conference games since the suspensions were implemented. The team has not scored a goal in their last three games.
