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Season canceled for team at center of assault investigation

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee high school has called off the rest of its basketball season after three of its players were arrested on charges of raping a teammate in an apparent hazing incident.

Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith says he’s taking this "very unusual step" with Ooltewah High School "so that the criminal justice system can work the way we expect."

Gatlinburg police said three teens face aggravated rape and aggravated assault charges in connection with injuries to a teammate. The teen underwent surgery after being assaulted while attending a basketball tournament.

None of the teens has been named because they're all juveniles.

Smith said he canceled the rest of the season because he was concerned public speculation about the case "could threaten the integrity" of the investigation.