PHILADELPHIA -- The St. Joseph's University softball team is being investigated for alleged hazing among players, according to published reports.
The hazing involves rituals that are part of "Deliverance Week," according to a report on the website of WPVI-6.
Freshmen members of the Division I team were allegedly told to drink alcohol, give upperclassmen lap dances, "mimic various sex acts and do other things too graphic to be outlined," the television station said in its report.
WPVI also reported that upperclassmen provided some teammates written instructions informing them that it's time to "show respect" at the risk of facing "dire consequences" if they fail to comply.
Nine of the 23 players listed on the school's roster are from New Jersey.
The team issued a statement to the school's student news organization Monday, saying it was "devastated" by the allegations and that team members "have the utmost respect for each other and this school."
They added that they couldn't address specific allegations.
School officials said last week that "remedial" actions have been taken to ensure the safety of any effected student-athletes, according to NBCPhiladelphia.com. They declined to provide any additional information.
The Hawks were scheduled to face Rider in Lawrenceville today, but the game has been postponed "at the request of St. Joseph's University," according to a statement on the Rider website.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.