Football coach fired after hazing allegations



POTTSTOWN, Pa. (AP) -- A Roman Catholic high school fired its football coach Friday following allegations of hazing among players two months ago.
Ed McCann, who took over the Saint Pius X High School football program just over a year ago after the previous coach left abruptly, said he was asked to resign Friday afternoon but refused and was fired.
"If I had resigned, that would've led some people to believe I knew something happened and didn't do anything about it," McCann said, adding that he knew nothing about allegations of hazing until Oct. 6.
School officials have declined to release details about the alleged incident, which occurred during halftime of a game with Owen J. Roberts High School. Five players were suspended after the incident came to light last week, and officials said they will not be permitted to return to the football team. Lower Pottsgrove Township Police Chief Raymond Bechtel said Friday that his department was investigating and the players could face charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.
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