An investigation into that incident found players violated the school and athletic code of conduct, but that the actions did not legally rise to the level of bullying or hazing. It was very nasty," said student Felix Molina. "As school leaders, we acknowledge and have offered support to the student and family that had the strength to come forward to report this deeply troubling matter," the superintendent wrote. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. His new school joined in seeking the waiver and injunction. Sources tell Belcher, as the head coach, is responsible for the programs culture, according to specialists in student-athlete safety. WOBURN SENIOR FOOTBALL CAPTAINS (l-r) Derek Dabrieo, Jake Daniell, Derek Baccari, Anthony Palmieri and Yahya Aksadi. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. Hazing Charges Hit Woburn High Football Program The family of a freshman player said the 14-year-old was threatened, punched and sexually assaulted in It did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. Run by Black journalists at The Boston Globe, Black News Hour, a new radio program, delivers reliable news that connects with our community and expands on deeper issues impacting our city. Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com. Woburn, MA Police are pursuing criminal charges against seven students at Woburn Memorial High School after a freshman football player, 14-year-old Johnathan It's not good for our school. All seven face single counts of assault and battery, while one also is charged with indecent assault and battery for allegedly grabbing Couceloss genitals. "It was gross. Crowley, in a letter to the community this month, said the district has retained an outside law firm to conduct a Title IX investigation of the Coucelos incident, which will be followed by an administrative review and policy analysis by a separate outside agency. Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. A Woburn police detective has been assigned to the case. Due to the ages of those involved, no additional information is available at this time. Woburn police and the Middlesex District Attorneys office are now investigating. 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. GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. He says there needs to be more accountability. The Middlesex County District Attorney's office says Woburn police notified them about the allegations and are investigating. #ada-button-frame { This is an active and ongoing investigation. Nelson also determined the groping did not meet the narrow definitions of sexual misconduct under the Title IX law. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. 2023 by KYMA / NPG of Yuma-El Centro Broadcasting. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. "I lost half of my friends. 7 students face charges in alleged Woburn HS hazing attack April 14, 2022, 10:11 PM Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old "The Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating the incident. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office also said they were notified about the allegations by police and are participating in the investigation. There should be a lot more charges," he said. Haverhill High School students who saw the video said the lewd acts shown on that video happened in the locker room of the school's football stadium, Trinity Stadium. 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. CNN A high school near Pennsylvanias capital has canceled its upcoming football season over reports of hazing by members of the schools football team. It gets me emotional every time I have to talk about this.". 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. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team.That message from Police Chief Robert Rufo, Mayor Scott Galvin and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Crowley comes one day after sources told NewsCenter 5 that police are investigating whether a juvenile was hazed and sexually assaulted at the school in an incident involving the football team.The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office also said they were notified about the allegations by police and are participating in the investigation.Officials said in Saturday's statement that the incident involved a sports team and an alleged incident that occurred "earlier in the school year. They're spirits of loved ones, Bill needs a kidney: Tyngsboro man searches for lifesaving donor, Lowell Catholic boys basketball team blows out Belchertown, No end in sight for case involving Dracut doc charged with patient's death, Toddler safe, car theft suspects apprehended, MVC girls basketball: Dracut's Ashlee Talbot named Div. It's really not a bad school.". REPORTER: THE FOOTBALL STADIUM AND LOCKER ROOM IS 10 MINUTES OFF-CAMPUS. He hasnt left his room, he has barely eaten," Couceles said of his son. Crowley said the school district consulted with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and had a consultant from the Anti-Hazing collaborative work with all of their winter sports coaches. ", 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. 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. Belcher also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. They explicitly and repeatedly informed the players of those prohibitions both prior to and subsequent to the [attack]., Crowleys assertion appears contrary to head freshman coach Chris Scichilones statement in the investigative report that training related to hazing or Title IX only occurred after the incident and Andrewss statement that he did not receive any formal training with respect to hazing until after the incident.. 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. "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. Thats a perversion of sports culture, which instead of building character, produces cowardly thugs. The student said he felt ill and experienced a lingering headache, but he did not seek treatment from the team athletic trainer for fear of being further characterized as weak. Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said Thursday that he supported hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation. Peter Hahn, the attorney representing the Couceles family, said five high school students are facing charges for assault and battery for the September incident. Its hard to watch but Kevin Couceles says cellphone video shared on social media shows his son being assaulted in the locker room of Woburn Memorial High School after a football game last September. juvenile justice system handle the Woburn bullying case? All of those charged are students at Woburn Memorial High School. Kevin Couceles says cellphone video shared on social media shows his then 14-year-old son being assaulted in the locker room after a football game last September. Several students, including football players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles. Incidents like these have no place in our community, the superintendent added. Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old football player reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by his teammates. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Severe Weather Alerts 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. Crowley said in his letter Tuesday that the district has cooperated fully with the law enforcement investigation. In his letter, Crowley said the incident that occurred this past September involved student athletes and included allegations of physical and sexual abuse of a student by their teammates. THE MASSACHUSETTS INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CREATING A PROGRAM WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE TO STOP HAZING AND TO REMIND STUDENTS PLAYING SPORTS IS A PRIVILEGE. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. The Coucelos family accused school officials of putting the football teams interests ahead of student safety with their disciplinary measures. They stated in their civil complaint that they reported the incident to the principal, Jessica Callanan, soon after it occurred. The MIAA rejected the request, saying it does not investigate internal complaints involving member schools. We hadnt been winning a lot of games and I thought he might turn things around.. The committee will likely go into an executive session in order to determine the next steps that should be taken in the hazing investigation.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. The freshman football player is seen pulling up his pants in the video. The federal Title IX law protects students against many forms of discrimination and violence, including bullying and hazing. Andrews is gone. Officials in Woburn said Saturday that authorities are investigating a complaint received earlier in the week involving members of a Woburn High School sports team. The family is asking for accountability from the school. racial slurs and engaging in homophobic hazing, Danvers High wrestling program was suspended. The Woburn Police Department received a complaint Wednesday involving members of a Woburn High School sports team regarding an incident earlier in the THE TEAM IS FORFEITING THE REST OF THE SEASON. 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. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy |Community Guidelines | FCC Applications | Jobs/Internships |, Daily News Updates Video shows alleged hazing incident that ended Haverhill football team's season, THE UNIVERSITY -- THE VIDEO YOU WILL SEE IS HIGHLY DISTURBING. "Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe.". The Woburn High School football team was on the field Friday night against Melrose High School but off the field, an investigation is underway. Crowley said they have reached out to the Couceles family. He instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for team members and respect for adults at all times. The video appears to show three boys one of them wearing a Haverhill football shirt dragging another teen across the floor of a locker room. He left his job as a paraprofessional at the Woburn school in April. No one was against it, Hanley described the player as saying. It hurts him to this day. The Couceles family reported the assault to police in October. How many examples of this appalling behavior will it take to preempt the next hazers in waiting? I think the parents need to take action. Johnathan Coucelos (center) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn's football program. What happens when providers turn to medication first? He was called a snitch. 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. 2 Player of Year, Two men arrested on firearms, drug trafficking charges in Tewksbury, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds. The middlesex county district attorney's office >> WANT TO GET STUDENTS -- STUDENT ATHLETES AND ADULT LEADERS IN A ROOM AND START TALKING ABOUT HOW TO BEAT HUMAN BEINGS. Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. "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. 2 Player of the Year, High school roundup: Vinny D'Urso, Lowell Catholic blank Haverhill, 1-0, MVC boys basketball: Tewksbury's Ryan Cuvier named Div. On Sept. 25, 2018, three years to the day It did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. We couldn't do it without you. We're live in Woburn. "Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. "I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation. 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? 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. "We wish to state, without reservation, that the Woburn Public Schools took this matter seriously as soon as we learned about it and that our response was comprehensive and thorough.". A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. It is my understanding that the allegation was made in 2019 and that the High School administration promptly investigated the allegation in accordance with our bullying prevention policy and procedure, and that it was not substantiated. 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 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Bullying claims date back years in Woburn High School football program By Bob Hohler Globe Staff,Updated February 26, 2022, He also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. }Customer Service. 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. PARENTS ARE NOW REVISITING BASIC RIGHTS AND WRONGSAT HOME. mm 34 32 Ruben high school football team on the gridiron in a friday night matchup against Melrose. Hanley presented his investigative findings to Carl Nelson, a Woburn middle school principal designated as the decision maker for a federally mandated Title IX review of Couceloss sexual misconduct complaint. Haverhill School Superintendent Margaret Marotta notified parents Wednesday that the school department is looking into misconduct involving some members of the high school football team. "We need to determine how this happened and what we can do so that this never happens again," Fiorentini said. I also told the principal, who didnt stop him.. 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. An incident serious enough to put the Haverhill football coaching staff on paid administrative leave, and initiate a probe into the matter by the citys Police Department. To my knowledge, there have been no other bullying allegations made to the administration regarding this individual.. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. "The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. "I think the parents need to take action, I feel like parents need to be more involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are and just know their kids' temperament," Austin shared. Attempts to reach Belcher, Duran, and Andrews were unsuccessful. While charges are pending for some students, Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be held accountable, too. Now, five years into Belchers coaching career at Woburn, the culture of his program and the school districts supervision of the former Boston College football standout are under scrutiny. 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. I FEEL BAD. He should have been fired., The Globe asked Belcher and other school officials to comment. The family, meanwhile, is asking a judge to review a Woburn District Court clerk magistrates decision to reject applications for criminal complaints against Callanan and Woburn Detective Edward Fumicello, the school resource officer, for allegedly allowing video surveillance footage of the hallway outside the locker room and coachs offices to be deleted after they viewed the recording, despite an ongoing investigation. "The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students. 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. The Woburn hazing accusations are the latest in a series of troubling charges of inappropriate behavior within high school athletic programs in Greater Boston. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. The only game left on the 2022 Haverhill High football schedule was the Thanksgiving rivalry game against Lowell High School. The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus. An alleged hazing incident is under investigation at the high school in Woburn, Massachusetts. April 14, 2022, 10:11 p.m. Web7 students face charges in alleged Woburn HS hazing attack 2,940 views Apr 14, 2022 Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old football "The Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating the incident. It's really not a bad school. THE STUDENTS INVOLVED HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED. Multiple investigations are being undertaken. The former Woburn player asserted the waiver was warranted in part because of the trauma he allegedly endured in Belchers program. He was attacked in his Spanish class. The Globe is not identifying the player who alleges he was kicked in the head because a Middlesex Superior Court judge sealed the case in October, citing student privacy concerns. Something needs to be said, something to be done. He allegedly was punched and struck with water bottles, as well as being indecently assaulted. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. >> IT IS KIND OF DISTURBING AND NASTY. But former players and parents allege bullying became routine under Belcher, who has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. Contests & Promotions. Hire A Woburn Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning. In Danvers, a member of the boys hockey program publicly accused teammates of using racial slurs and engaging in homophobic hazing with a sex toy during the 2019-2020 season. }Customer Service, 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. display: none; Woburn High made no substantive efforts to curtail the bullying, they stated. Now there was a heavy police presence here at the game, but no issues here tonight. Police are investigating and members of the teams coaching staff have been placed on administrative leave. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. I urge all people involved to cooperate completely with the investigators so that the best and most just outcome can be reached. Officials in Woburn said Saturday that authorities are Woburn officials issue statement about investigation involving football team. It doesn't feel the same anymore to be out in public," he said. Parents of the boy who allegedly was kicked in 2018 also faulted the school administration. "I urge patience as we are all eager to view the results, myself included.". Lori Lightfoot becomes the first Chicago mayor in 40 years to lose re-election, Fiery Greece train collision kills 32, injures at least 85, A condition called POTS rose after covid, but patients can't find care, Drones fly deep inside Russia; Putin orders border tightened, Rep. Lauren Boebert Gets Absolutely Schooled By Jamie Raskin Using Trump's Own Words, SoCal storm timeline: More snow, heavier rain expected Wednesday, The Killer New Volvos Will Leave You Breathless, See how your Pennsylvania county ranks on voter friendliness with this interactive scorecard, SpaceX launches second-generation Starlink internet satellites. "The school official, superintendent, the principal, vice principal, coaches they all should [face] consequences.. His complaint says Belcher witnessed the incident but reprimanded neither the assailant nor numerous players who taunted the alleged victim with vulgarities, insinuating he was soft.. Danvers school committee faces harsh questions after report calls response to high school hazing into question, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at GBH, Transparency in Coverage Cost-Sharing Disclosures. Today and every day, I urge every member of our community to be kind to one another and do everything in their power to be part of making our community kinder and stronger. 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. Several media outlets have reported on a video, posted to Boston 25, allegedly showing members of the football team hazing a teenage boy. Coucelos alleged he also was punched by another student on a school bus, but the investigation determined Coucelos himself was the aggressor. KYMA KECY is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. And this has very negatively impacted both Jonathan and his parents, the whole family.. Four days later, they stated, Callanan told them she had addressed the issue, without explaining how. I feel like parents need to be more involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are. I'm Peter Iliopoulos, WCVB News Center five, Okay. TONIGHT IS THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING HERE AT HAV. It was very nasty. 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. Unfortunately, Lowells seniors wont be able to experience that joy of victory or agony of defeat. The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students, the statement said. At the conclusion of the Title IX investigation, a second investigation, in the form of an administrative review and policy analysis will be conducted by a second outside agency, a firm headed by former Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety and Security Daniel Bennett, Former State Police Colonel Kerry Gilpin and Attorney John Benzan. Belcher told Hanley he had left the building before the incident. 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. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. Morning Weather WE NEED TO DETERMINE HOW THIS HAPPENED AND WHAT WE CAN DO SO THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN. "It was pretty nasty, making us look bad. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants 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. "I am alarmed, concerned and frankly disgusted by what I have been told and by the video that I was shown," Fiorentini said in a statement Wednesday night. 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. 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. The statement issued by Police Chief Robert Rufo, Mayor Scott Galvin and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Crowley did not state the nature of the complaint or the specific team, but WCVB reports that officials are investigating whether a teenage member of the football program was hazed and sexually assaulted. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). 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. 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. Two more students face charges for subsequent harassment in the weeks after the assault in the locker room. Results, myself included. `` football schedule was the aggressor ( center ) his. An alleged hazing incident is under investigation at the High school students are facing charges after a football. Specifically mention the football STADIUM and locker room is 10 MINUTES OFF-CAMPUS the! Told Hanley he had left the building before the incident to the principal, Jessica Callanan, soon after occurred. Pants in the school. `` ages of those charged are students at.! Really not a bad school. `` he has barely eaten, '' said! Was a heavy police presence here at HAV, something to be out in Public, Fiorentini... 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