Seven Bowling Green players who were suspended Oct. 26 will rejoin the team for next week’s series in Omaha, according to the school.
The players, who were suspended indefinitely from the hockey program 10 days ago have received sanctions imposed by the University’s discipline program for their participation in an inappropriate and racially-insensitive photo taken in April, 2003. The University’s investigation found the players in violation of the student code of conduct, however, there was no evidence of hazing found.
“These student-athletes were part of an incident that does not reflect what our University, our athletic department, and our hockey program stands for,” said BGSU Director of Athletics Paul Krebs. “While the behavior these student-athletes exhibited is unacceptable, it does not reflect the manner in which they have conducted themselves since this incident occurred in April, 2003. It is our responsibility and our responsibility to change behavior through education.”
In response to the incident, BG head coach Scott Paluch said, “We have worked diligently with the University to aid their investigation. Based on [the University’s] findings, the athletic department and myself have acted accordingly. These young men have acknowledged that their actions were unacceptable, and they have accepted responsibility for the manner in which
they conducted themselves.”
The seven players had been suspended since the photo — mailed from Ontario with no return address to the BG Sentinel-Tribune — surfaced and the story was made public 10 days ago.
