Elk River incident puts hazing into context

The Elk River High School football team returned to practice Tuesday, but nine of its players weren't allowed to participate. Four of them have been kicked off the team. Another five are suspended following a hazing incident last week.

Five coaches, including head coach Mike Cross, remain on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. Elk River police say team members reported poking and hitting each other in the legs and backsides with broom handles.

Tracy Maxwell, executive director of the national group Hazing Prevention, says she is heartened to see the Elk River school district take this incident so seriously. Often, she says, hazing is considered harmless fun. Maxwell spoke with MPR's Tom Crann.