Cornell Temporarily Suspends Men's Lacrosse Team

Replacing Rob Pannell, Steve Mock, Jason Noble, and a host of other now-graduated members of the 2013 iteration of the Big Red isn't the biggest problem facing Cornell lacrosse at the moment. No, Ben DeLuca and Associates, Ltd. is dealing with something bigger -- hazing allegations that have caused the university to cancel all of the program's fall games until further notice:

The Cornell men’s lacrosse team has been placed on temporary suspension following an alleged hazing incident on Sept. 13.

According to a statement made by Andy Noel, the Meakem Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education, the team has been notified that all of the games scheduled for the fall semester are cancelled pending further notice.

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As of Thursday, the team was allowed to resume its training and practice in accordance with sanction guidelines.

Cornell was scheduled to play -- according to LaxPower's database -- the Iroquois national team at the end of September in addition to the program's traditional participation in the Capital Lacrosse Classic in mid-October (an event that benefits and promotes the Boiardi Foundation (a cause founded in the memory of former Cornell player George Boiardi)).

This probably isn't the way that Ithacats were hoping to open the year.

UPDATE: From Cornell's Director of Athletics:

On Sept. 13, the Cornell men's lacrosse team was placed on temporary suspension pending appropriate sanctions for a team hazing incident. Following investigation into the incident, Coach DeLuca and his team were notified that all fall competitions are canceled.

Effective today, the team will resume training and practice in accordance with sanction guidelines.