Gov. Chris Christie speaks out on Sayreville hazing allegations

SAYREVILLE, N.J. (WABC) -- Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday expressed outrage at allegations of hazing and intimidation surrounding a central New Jersey high school's football team, calling accounts of the conduct "extraordinarily disturbing" and "a nightmare" for parents.

Authorities continue to investigate the behavior at Sayreville War Memorial High School that prompted the schools' superintendent to cancel the rest of the season's games. They have not said what the alleged hazing incidents involved.

The Sayreville football season is over, but the apparent actions which led to the team's downfall are troubling.

The hazing ritual, according to students and parents, may have included sexual offenses against the youngest players on the team. The allegations prompted Christie to speak out.

"If these facts as alleged are true, then this is a nightmare for the parents of those young men and it tells us something about the attitude that was allowed to pervade in that program," said Christie.

The governor says he has spoken to the state's education commissioner and attorney general about the case and is confident law enforcement will conduct a thorough investigation of the Sayreville football program and hazing allegations that are far beyond what anyone could imagine.

"If that's what went on in Sayreville, that's not what parents were expecting their children to be exposed to and taught, and it's unacceptable," said the governor.

Students are still stunned that their football season is done, one student saying the reality is settling in even as parents protested that decision in a board of education meeting.

Some parents say all the kids are being punished because of the disturbing actions of a few.

One student who didn't want to be identified, said "People are denying it, but they have substantial evidence, so something must be going on and they're trying to hide it."