Nelson also determined the groping did not meet the narrow definitions of sexual misconduct under the Title IX law. CNN A high school near Pennsylvanias capital has canceled its upcoming football season over reports of hazing by members of the schools football team. Woburn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew Crowley sent a letter to the community on Tuesday to provide an update on the "troubling situation involving the WMHS athletics program that has been covered in the news recently. In April, seven Woburn High School students were charged after a 14-year-old football player reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by his teammates in September 2021. racial slurs and engaging in homophobic hazing, Danvers High wrestling program was suspended. "We need to determine how this happened and what we can do so that this never happens again," Fiorentini said. It was very nasty. It hurts him to this day. Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said Thursday that he supported hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation. "I understand that there have been strong reactions to this situation and appreciate there is a deep desire for as much information as possible regarding the incident and the school districts response," Crowley wrote. Coucelos, who is 14, told Jim Braude on Greater Boston Monday that his life has changed drastically since the attack, and the harassment has not stopped. KYMA KECY is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. An inexperienced and ill-trained volunteer assistant football coach failed to inform his supervisors at Woburn Memorial High School after a 14-year-old freshman player, Johnathan Coucelos, reported last fall that he was jumped by teammates in a locker room, according to an independent investigators report obtained by the Globe. "It's just so wrong how they're handling it. Coucelos alleged he also was punched by another student on a school bus, but the investigation determined Coucelos himself was the aggressor. The former Woburn player asserted the waiver was warranted in part because of the trauma he allegedly endured in Belchers program. In 13 seasons there, Belcher went 78-63 and was named the Globes coach of the year in 2008, after guiding his team to a 10-2 record and the league title. Somehow, ganging up or picking on someone half ones size has come to symbolize the kind of toughness required to be successful on a football field, basketball court or hockey rink. Severe Weather Alerts juvenile justice system handle the Woburn bullying case? Bullying and hazing happen when you pit players against each other like he does, Wilson said. Head football coach Jack Belcher has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. In a statement shared Wednesday evening, Fiorentini said he received a call from Haverhill Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Marotta, briefing him on a hazing incident at the high school. How will the Mass. The family is asking for accountability from the school. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. REPORTER: THEY ARE KICKING OFF THAT PROGRAM DECEMBER 8, EVOLVING -- INVOLVING THE MASS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS AND SOCIETY GROUP. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. On Sept. 25, 2018, three years to the day before the Coucelos incident, a 15-year-old Woburn player was kicked so hard in the head by a teammate that he stumbled, dazed, from the practice field and vomited, he stated in a civil case pending before the state Supreme Judicial Court. But the abuse continued, according to their complaint, and in 2019 the parents submitted a 10-page report to Callanan detailing additional bullying their son had endured from Belcher and from his teammates at Belchers alleged direction. #ada-button-frame { With Haverhill forfeiting the contest, Lowell will finish the season with a 4-7 record. This is an active and ongoing investigation. Callanan is leaving after the school year to become the director of academic achievement at Reading Memorial High School. Belcher, who with Callanan hired Andrews in 2021, remains, as does Duran, who supervises the football coaches and also is considered responsible for player safety. Ten football captains six seniors and four juniors circulated a letter to news outlets, saying they were not trying to minimize any allegations that are being investigated by the proper people., In fact, we all condemn bullying of any kind, the captains wrote. While school officials told the Globe their response was "comprehensive and thorough" and the DA's Office said there is an ongoing investigation, the family said it is outraged at what they say was relatively light school discipline against the football players involved in the assault and the lack of any criminal charges at those they say are responsible for the assault and ensuing harassment. On Sept. 25, 2018, three years to the day before the Coucelos incident, a 15-year-old Woburn player was kicked so hard in the head by a teammate that he stumbled, dazed, from the practice field and vomited, he stated in a civil case pending before the state Supreme Judicial Court. He said he witnessed Belcher routinely pit players against each other during practice. In 1983, Belcher was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the ninth round of the NFL Draft. Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old football player reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by his teammates. On Sept. 25, 2018, three years to the day He left his job as a paraprofessional at the Woburn school in April. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Woburn police are seeking assault charges in Lowell Juvenile Court against seven Woburn students, including five football players, for the alleged locker room attack and two subsequent incidents in which Johnathan was the alleged victim. Stream GBH's Award-Winning Content For Parents And Children. PF343 PA206 STREAK2W. Police seek charges against seven students after Woburn locker room incident, After Woburn football player endures multiple alleged assaults, parents left outraged by official response. Haverhill High School is shutting down all football activities, canceling all future practices and forfeiting the Thanksgiving Day game, due to an alleged hazing incident involving some members of the school's team. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. Hazing in sports has long served as sort of an initiation rite, juvenile for the most part, not demeaning and vicious in nature. Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe.. Video shows alleged hazing incident that ended Haverhill football team's season, THE UNIVERSITY -- THE VIDEO YOU WILL SEE IS HIGHLY DISTURBING. >> I DONT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH KIDS TODAY. Jessica Callanan, principal of Woburn Memorial High School said in a statement to Greater Boston, "the Coucelos familys complaint is and should be taken seriously. Two more students face charges for subsequent harassment in the weeks after the assault in the locker room. Hearing In Woburn Football Assault Case Postponed The probable cause hearing initially scheduled for Tuesday will not take place until March, the attorney for the It's not good for our school. The family also asked Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to take action against Woburn school officials for allegedly violating MIAA rules on hazing, fighting, and sportsmanship, among others. Full statement: "On Wednesday, Oct. 13, the Woburn Police Department received a complaint involving members of a Woburn High School sports team regarding an incident earlier in the school year. Whats more, the boy and his parents allege, school authorities failed to correct the abusive nature of Belchers coaching after they reported the incident. A hazing investigation at Woburn Memorial High School has led to charges against seven high school students. Morning Weather Whats more, the family says, no school employee has publicly accepted responsibility for the trauma, while the students answer to criminal charges. The player alleges Woburn head coach Jack Belcher instigated the kick by encouraging older teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones. They stated in their civil complaint that they reported the incident to the principal, Jessica Callanan, soon after it occurred. Editorial: Put sports hazing out of its misery, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Editorial: Sports betting rollout still ironing out kinks, Editorial: Give localities control over age to vote, Editorial: DNA sleuth tracks down suspects, kin, Seeing orbs in photos? Crowley said in his most recent statement to the Globe that the school district also will make certain that the investigators are aware of this past, unsubstantiated allegation regarding Coach Belcher to ensure that they are provided with any and all context necessary for a full and fair investigation.. REPORTER: THE MAYOR SAYS I SUPPORT HIRING AN OUTSIDE FIRM TO -- TO CONDUCT THE INVESTIGATION. Its shocking that there still have been no repercussions for anyone in the athletic department, said Peter Hahn, the Coucelos familys attorney. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. It's really not a bad school. Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old football player reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by his teammates. But former players and parents allege bullying became routine under Belcher, who has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. Woburn Memorial Football. While the coach generally treated his son relatively well because he was one of the teams better players Logan is now a quarterback at Fitchburg State University Wilson said he was aware of Belchers practice of pitting older, stronger players against other teammates. It goes on to show a fourth teen in underwear squatting into the victims face, while other boys screamed and cheered, according to reports. NEW! "Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe. We are strictly responding to how the integrity of the team, the leadership of the athletic department and football program is unfairly under attack in the community., They stated, Head Coach Jack Belcher has always given us nothing short of his undivided attention and passion for his job as our coach and leader. "The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. Lowell Highs annual Thanksgiving Day football game against Haverhill has been canceled due to an alleged hazing incident involving Haverhill players that was caught on video. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. After News Of Anti-Semitism On Duxburys Football Team, Where Does The Town Go From Here? READINGS MATT BLASI (83) reaches to make a catch before Woburns Travis Kanoni (4) can move in. Crowley said in his letter Tuesday that the district has cooperated fully with the law enforcement investigation. "He just wants to be by himself all the time. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Moving forward, he said all of the districts coaches will be required to undertake extensive supplemental training. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. When I first saw it, I thought it was just a form of competition, he said. We couldn't do it without you. There is no indication in the report that the investigator, Patrick Hanley, a former state and county prosecutor, asked Belcher, Duran, or Callanan about the purported lack of training. Now, police are filing criminal charges against seven students accused of the assault. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants The Woburn Police Department received a complaint Wednesday involving members of a Woburn High School sports team regarding an incident earlier in the Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com. He also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. >> WANT TO GET STUDENTS -- STUDENT ATHLETES AND ADULT LEADERS IN A ROOM AND START TALKING ABOUT HOW TO BEAT HUMAN BEINGS. Belcher, as the head coach, is responsible for the programs culture, according to specialists in student-athlete safety. To my knowledge, there have been no other bullying allegations made to the administration regarding this individual.. One football player was accused of indecent assault for allegedly yanking down Johnathans pants and touching his genitals in the locker room episode. The Globe reported on Saturday that the freshman said he was attacked in a locker room and grabbed by the genitals in an incident caught on video following a September game. The 60-page report includes statements by Chase Andrews, the first-year volunteer assistant who was 23 at the time, and head freshman coach Chris Scichilone that they were not formally trained about hazing before Coucelos was accosted. The remaining coaches reported hearing nothing unusual from their offices near the locker room, despite the loud commotion, which numerous players recorded. PARENTS ARE NOW REVISITING BASIC RIGHTS AND WRONGSAT HOME. We hadnt been winning a lot of games and I thought he might turn things around.. 2 Men Shot; 1 Dies In Early Morning Shooting In Woburn: Police, Woburn Teachers Ratify, Staff Ratify Contracts To Strike, MA Has Another Mega Millions Winner After $31M Ticket Sold In Woburn, Dive In Commonwealth Virtual Information Session, Free Online Mindfulness Session: Taming the Overactive Mind, Author Event with Sociologist Amanda Freeman, Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Woburn Public Library, Woburn Area Pet Adoption: Little, Roland, Hootie & More, Woburn Area Prospective Homeowners: Look Through 3 New Properties For Sale. Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. He was attacked in his Spanish class. Hanley found the team assault was planned, organized, and executed by a substantial number of sophomore players. One player said he punched Coucelos multiple times after the sophomores like 30 kids decided to beat up Johnathan.. The federal Title IX law protects students against many forms of discrimination and violence, including bullying and hazing. A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. "A freshman getting dragged down on the floor, them pulling down his pants and pulling down the other dude's pants and humping him in the face. ", "The boys involved in this disgusting incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team," the mayor said in his statement. Unlike Callanan, who told Hanley she feels terrible for Johnathan, Belcher expressed less empathy, saying he was aware of Coucelos before the attack in a negative way, as a pain in the neck or wise-guy.. Couceles said his wife decided to pull their son out of the Woburn school for his safety in December. The MIAA rejected the request, saying it does not investigate internal complaints involving member schools. Haverhill High School is shutting down all football activities, canceling all future practices and forfeiting the Thanksgiving Day game, due to an alleged hazing incident involving some members of the school's team. "Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment or retaliation in any form," the message reads. Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. "I share in the collective shock and outrage regarding this incident.". No one was against it, Hanley described the player as saying. "Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe.". I don't think any town or any school is immune from it. "Very heartbroken.. Coaches are, by policy, considered responsible for safeguarding student-athletes against any form of abuse. The student who grabbed him in the classroom, he said, was a former Woburn football player. High school students in Woburn, Massachusetts, are facing criminal charges after incidents of hazing, including one that was recorded and posted on social media after a football game last September Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. "It was pretty nasty, making us look bad. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. "The Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating the incident. Former Woburn High School football player Johnathan Coucelos said he was assaulted and bullied by teammates in the locker room, and the school did nothing to protect him. While arraignments have begun in Lowell Juvenile Court for seven Woburn students, including five football players, charged with assaulting Coucelos, his parents say the report underscores that Woburn school officials head football coach Jack Belcher, athletic director Jim Duran, and principal Jessica Callanan, among them failed to adequately protect their son. Belcher, 60, has been familiar to many in the Woburn area since he was a three-sport star at neighboring Stoneham High School in the late 1970s. I urge all people involved to cooperate completely with the investigators so that the best and most just outcome can be reached. In the most disturbing incident, the parent said, her son was a freshman when four older teammates attacked him in a school hallway after Belcher allegedly encouraged stronger players to toughen up those perceived as weaker. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Listen Live: Classic and Contemporary Celtic, Listen Live: Cape, Coast and Islands NPR Station, A reporter's indulgence no longer a secret The NBA's Damian Lillard made me a fan, Pandemic food assistance that held back hunger comes to an end, The March Drop: Stay on the move with Oscar reels and roller derbies, MIT takes steps to stop foreign espionage, but some faculty say it goes too far, Bostons police oversight office has yet to uphold a single civilian complaint. At BC, he was a 6-foot-4-inch, 270-pound football center and team cocaptain under coach Jack Bicknell, snapping the ball to quarterback Doug Flutie. "The only game left on the 2022 Haverhill High football schedule was the Thanksgiving rivalry game against Lowell High School.The Haverhill School Committee was scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday. Student leaders of the Woburn team took a stand in recent days supporting Belcher. He instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for team members and respect for adults at all times. The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students, the statement said. All rights reserved, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of New Hampshire: An NBC10 Boston Original, Crash Causes Injuries, Lane Closure on I-95 in Peabody, Tracking the Next Hit of Wintry Weather Headed to New England, Due Late Week, Even After Investigation, Stoneham Cop Hasn't Paid Dime of Rent to New Landlord, FIRST ALERT: As Snow Continues to Fall, Weekend Storm Promises More for Boston, JetBlue Plane, Private Jet Have Close Call' at Boston's Logan Airport: FAA. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office has said they have been notified of the incident by woburn police. It gets me emotional every time I have to talk about this.". Coucelos reported the violent incidents to coaches and the police who did not take enough action. "As these matters concern allegations involving minors, there was and remains much we cannot say publicly about this situation," Crowley said. AT LEAST ONE PERSON IS WEARING A HAVERHIL FOOTBALL SHIRT. KYMA/CBS 13/KECY is an equal opportunity employer. The moments before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around. "The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students. Parents of the boy who allegedly was kicked in 2018 also faulted the school administration. Due to the ages of those involved, no additional information is available at this time. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. The Haverhill School Committee was scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday. Woburn school officials were aware of alleged bullying in the high school football program for several years before 14-year-old freshman Johnathan Coucelos was attacked by a swarm of teammates in the locker room last fall, according to court records and interviews with former players and parents. Belcher told Hanley he had left the building before the incident. One tradition put on hold, while another continues, exposing vulnerable youngsters to physical and emotional harm. Couceles says a student pulled down his sons pants and groped his genitals. Woburn High made no substantive efforts to curtail the bullying, they stated. In response, Woburn school superintendent Matt Crowley issued a statement that said, I was informed by the High School administration that there was one allegation of bullying made against Coach Jack Belcher. I wish to be unequivocal in the fact that I join every member of the WPS administration in condemning physical and sexual violence in all forms," Crowley said. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Attempts to reach Belcher, Duran, and Andrews were unsuccessful. "On Wednesday, Oct. 13, the Woburn Police Department received a complaint involving members of a Woburn High School sports team regarding an incident earlier in the school year. All rights reserved (About Us). Hahn said he provided notice to the city and school district about their intent to sue. While charges are pending for some students, Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be held accountable, too. "Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. HOME3-3 AWAY4-0 NEUTRAL0-1. The Coucelos family accused school officials of putting the football teams interests ahead of student safety with their disciplinary measures. Instead, Belcher instructed the traumatized player to return to the field for 35 more minutes of contact drills, his complaint states. ", Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. Contests & Promotions. He allegedly was punched and struck with water bottles, as well as being indecently assaulted. In Peabody, members of the football team were disciplined last week after a video showed players unsupervised in a locker room last month using a racial slur and mimicking sexual acts. The superintendent said in his letter Tuesday that Woburn Public Schools has retained outside private counsel -- the law firm of Butters Brazilian LLP and Attorney Patrick Hanley -- to conduct a comprehensive Title IX investigation, which remains ongoing. Hes suffering, and were trying to bring him back to normal, but its going to be very hard, said Kevin Coucelos, who with his wife, Jeanny, has four school-aged children. Some Woburn residents are upset that alleged assailants were allowed to play at Fenway in the Thanksgiving game against Winchester. The freshman football player is seen pulling up his pants in the video. This content is imported from Facebook. 2023 by KYMA / NPG of Yuma-El Centro Broadcasting. Officials said in Saturday's statement that the incident involved a sports team and an alleged incident that occurred "earlier in the school year.". But, the former student said, he soon became disturbed by Belchers coaching methods, which he described as abusive. 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Not meet the narrow definitions of sexual misconduct under the Title IX law protects students against many forms of and... 7 p.m. Thursday reported hearing nothing unusual from their offices near the locker room, despite the commotion! You the stories, local voices, and Andrews were unsuccessful will finish the season with a 4-7.. `` it 's just so wrong how they 're handling it Centro Broadcasting upcoming football season over of. This. `` said Thursday that he supported hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation players... The locker room, despite the loud commotion, which numerous players recorded investigation, according to ages... His job as a paraprofessional at the Woburn Police of academic achievement at Reading Memorial High school has to. City and school district about their intent to sue were allowed to play High school Pennsylvanias! Immune from it other during practice are now REVISITING BASIC RIGHTS and WRONGSAT HOME and executed by substantial!