The Riley County Police Department is investigating battery involving Manhattan High School football players, according to a press release from the RCPD and a report from the Manhattan Mercury Friday afternoon.
The RCPD said it was made aware of an incident involving “several juveniles” Friday morning and is in the process of filing a battery report from the information it received. Authorities say the battery happened Thursday in the 3300 block of Robinson Drive in Manhattan, which is where Bishop Stadium is located in CiCo Park.
Officers list a 15-year-old male and a 16-year-old male as the victims when it was reported multiple teenage suspects kicked and hit the victims.
The Mercury reports the incident was a part of a hazing ritual called “birthday beatdowns,” and that several USD 383 administrators, including superintendent Marvin Wade, athletic director Mike Marsh and head football coach Joe Schartz began investigating the incident “right away.”
Officers are still in the process of interviewing the multiple parties involved.
No arrests have been made and the severity of injuries to the victims are not known. The RCPD told KMAN late Friday afternoon no EMS transports were made.
