It may be the holiday season, but that doesn't mean high school athletes have stopped acting up. Rather, it just makes the latest case of disturbing prep sports hazing a little harder to stomach.
According to CBSCharlotte.com, two members of the Rocky River (N.C.) High School wrestling team have been arrested for alleging forcing a 15-year-old teammate into the boys locker room and forcing him to completely undress in the boys locker room while being filmed by a third varsity wrestler. The two teens -- 18-year-old Adam Mourdi and 17-year-old Isiah Akins, who is pictured at right -- were arrested and charged with false imprisonment and hazing. Because false imprisonment is a Class H felony, the teens could face either a significant fine, time in a correctional institution or, as is equally likely, a combination of both punishments.
While there is no defending what Mourdi and Akins allegedly did, the latter has already come close to clean on the Rocky River Ravens Wrestling Facebook page, offering up a public apology to his teammates.
Here's how Akins' apology read in full:
I just wanted to take some time and say that im really sorry guys, i let myself down and more importantly i let yall)the team) down. I really screwed up, but the funny thing about life is it throws you some curve balls from time to time, and this time i got thrown one, and ive learned from my mistake and im coming back harder than ever, cause i hate the way i let yall down, i loe yall with all my heart and ill see yall all on wed.
Sincerly, Isiah Akins aka. Uncle Luke.
While many of those sentiments are touching, Akins' signature line might be a touch concerning in itself, considering the fact that it echoes a nickname more commonly attributed to the frontman for rap duo 2 Live Crew, a controversial rap legend who went on to become a porn impresario and, eventually, a high school football coach in South Florida.
Meanwhile, police officials from Mint Hill, North Carolina told CBS Charlotte that the official investigation into the case is now closed, even though the wounds for the Rocky River program will likely continue for some time to come.
"When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always get worse," a post on the Rocky River Wrestling Facebook wall read. "And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better. Keep your heads up, Rocky River wrestlers…things will get better."
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