INSEP launches investigation after violent basketball hazing

The National Institute of Sport (INSEP) in Paris has launched an administrative investigation following violent hazing incidents involving young basketball players at the Pôle France training center. During the night of Sunday to Monday, older players reportedly assaulted U16 recruits at the dormitory.

One victim suffered physical injuries, with reports indicating potential internal bleeding, though medical examinations for one player were described as reassuring. In response, the institution has provisionally banned ten athletes from the facility. One player has been permanently expelled from the Pôle France program, while several other minors received two-month suspensions.

Director General Fabien Canu stated that the institution will establish full accountability and will not tolerate any form of violence or humiliation. The French Basketball Federation is working closely with the Ministry of Sports to manage the situation, and some families are considering legal action against both the perpetrators and the institution.