ALLENTOWN, Pa. _ An investigation into hazing allegations within the Penn State football program made by a former player produced no charges, the Centre County District Attorney said.
District Attorney Bernie Cantorna issued a statement Thursday to address the allegations in Isaiah Humphries' federal hazing lawsuit filed this week. Humphries, a former Penn State player now at the University of California, alleged that he was subjected to physical and verbal hazing and harassment from other players. Humphries also alleged that Penn State head coach James Franklin and other staff members were aware of the hazing but did not take "substantive" action.
Earlier this week, Penn State also said that investigations by two university offices did not substantiate claims against Franklin or the program.
On Thursday, Cantorna said that police interviewed witnesses who were present in the Lasch Football Building at the time of the allegations. Police also interviewed other students and staff members, Cantorna said.
That investigation did not "substantiate the serious allegations made," Cantorna said.
"What I mean by that is, the evidence to date does not meet the high threshold necessary to file criminal charges and prove them beyond a reasonable doubt," Cantorna said.
Humphries' suit consists of eight counts, including violation of Pennsylvania's 2018 anti-hazing law, assault and battery, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Humphries' suit said that players made sexual references and gestures, wrestled him to the floor and referenced Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant coach imprisoned for child sexual abuse.
Franklin and current player Damion Barber are named in the suit as defendants, along with the university. Three other players are listed in the suit but not named as defendants.
