By Dennis Romero -
NBC News
The president of California's Mater Dei High School, a Catholic prep academy whose top-tier soccer team was accused of hazing in a 2020 lawsuit, has resigned.
A school spokesman alleged that the departure of the Reverend Walter E. Jenkins had nothing to do with the allegations and to make a connection between the two would be "unfair."
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“There is no connection between the litigation and his departure from school and making such a connection is deeply unfair to Father Jenkins who served Mater Dei well during his tenure,” clarified communications director Allison Bergeron by email.
Jenkins is returning to his religious order in South Bend, Indiana, to take on a new mission, explained Orange County Diocese Superintendent of Schools Erin Jenkins in a letter to parents, students and supporters.
His departure will be effective next week.
The Rev. Walter Jenkins, Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
The lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court by an unidentified Mater Dei soccer player who alleged he was hit multiple times in the face and head by a heavier player in a pain tolerance hazing game called "Bodies".
The Orange County Register reported Saturday that Jenkins' departure also came after tension with Bruce Rollinson, the head coach who has run the high school soccer program since the 1989 season.
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The coach has been credited with elevating the team to a championship level that draws powerful supporters and wealthy donors to the Santa Ana private school.
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Jenkins was introduced as president in February 2021, and one of his last acts in office was hiring a Sacramento law firm to conduct an independent investigation into the hazing allegations.
"The father's departure will not affect the progress of the independent investigation that will begin when school resumes next week," Bergeron explained.
"The Diocese of Orange and Mater Dei remain committed to student safety and academic excellence," he added.
The superintendent, Barisano, said a new president would be announced "very soon."