Feb 13, 2018Bream To Leave Penn State
By the end of the month, Tim Bream will leave his position as Head Athletic Trainer for Football at Penn State University. A year ago, a fraternity pledge at Bream’s chapter or Beta Theat Pi died in a drinking and hazing incident.
According to the Daily Times News, last February, Piazza became intoxicated during a pledge ritual, and fell down several times, damaging his spleen and fracturing his skull. Pi Beta Phi members found him in the basement the next morning, and waited 40 minutes to summon help. Piazza was taken to the hospital and later died. More than two dozen Pi Beta Phi members have been charged for their actions relating to his death, charges that include aggravated assault, alcohol violations, and involuntary manslaughter.
Bream, a Pi Beta Phi alumnus and the chapter’s live-in advisor, had gone to his room after watching the pledge bid ceremony, then left for work the next morning without seeing Piazza. He denied knowing or approving of the hazing.
“I in no way, shape or form would give permission to any type of alcohol abuse, gauntlet, or anything like that,” Bream said. “Nor did I know about it that evening.”
Tom Kline, Piazza’s parents’ attorney, said they were pleased to hear about Bream’s resignation.
“They believe this should have happened a long time ago,” Kline said.
Penn State did not say whether Bream’s departure was related to Beta Theta Pi brothers being prosecuted for Piazza’s death.
