Thats a perversion of sports culture, which instead of building character, produces cowardly thugs. Video shows alleged hazing incident that ended Haverhill football team's season, THE UNIVERSITY -- THE VIDEO YOU WILL SEE IS HIGHLY DISTURBING. 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. But in recent years, perhaps spurred on by the random, gutless behavior enabled by social media, hazings descended into outright physical and psychological abuse, encouraged or ignored in some cases by adults in leadership positions. Due to the ages of those involved, no additional information is available at this time.". 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. There was little to no supervision in the locker room, he said. 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. The Woburn case is one of numerous violent incidents in high school sports over the last year that have captured the attention of government officials, civil rights groups, and student safety organizations. 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. }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. Breaking News A FOOTBALL PLAYER IS TRYING TO PULL OFF CLOTHING FROM ANOTHER YOUNG MAN AND LATER ENDS UP ON TOP OF THE ALLEGED HAZING VICTIM. No one ever came in and checked when things got loud or out of hand.. One football player was accused of indecent assault for allegedly yanking down Johnathans pants and touching his genitals in the locker room episode. I want to cry every time I see that. Woburn, MA Police are pursuing criminal charges against seven students at Woburn Memorial High School after a freshman football player, 14-year-old Johnathan He should have been fired., The Globe asked Belcher and other school officials to comment. The player alleges Woburn head coach Jack Belcher instigated the kick by encouraging older teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones. 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.. Because the investigation involves minors, both the Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office told NBC10 Boston they cannot provide information about the case. 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. A hazing investigation at Woburn Memorial High School has led to charges against seven high school students. Then I saw it boil over into the locker room because it caused kids to literally hate each other and fight off the field.. "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. Seven Massachusetts students charged in connection with alleged assaults on high school football teammate. Belcher started his high school coaching career as an assistant at Bishop Fenwick in 2001. Join us. Andrews, a 2020 graduate of Endicott College, indicated his football experience was limited to Pop Warner and high school. 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. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. Asked to cite an inaccuracy, Callanan did not respond. "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. The MIAA rejected the request, saying it does not investigate internal complaints involving member schools. Coucelos reported the violent incidents to coaches and the police who did not take enough action. I urge all people involved to cooperate completely with the investigators so that the best and most just outcome can be reached. #ada-button-frame { He said he witnessed Belcher routinely pit players against each other during practice. It goes on to show a fourth teen in underwear squatting into the victims face, while other boys screamed and cheered, according to reports. 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. "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved.". 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 You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. It's not good. REPORTER: THE FOOTBALL STADIUM AND LOCKER ROOM IS 10 MINUTES OFF-CAMPUS. ", The teen was joined by his parents Kevin and Jeanny and his lawyer Peter Hahn, who said the school failed Coucelos. The moments before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around. It was disgusting. He played two seasons for the Breakers after they moved to New Orleans and Portland. Couceles says a student pulled down his sons pants and groped his genitals. 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. It was very nasty. 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. Many Woburn residents have expressed anger that Belcher permitted three of the alleged assailants, including the player facing a possible indecent assault charge, to remain on the football team through a prestigious Thanksgiving week game at Fenway Park. WE HAVE BLURRED THE LEWD AND VIOLENT SCENEAT LEAST ONE PERSON -- SCENE. Seven teenagers are facing criminal charges in "It was pretty nasty, making us look bad. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants to see justice served when it comes to the teenagers accused of assaulting their son in a high school locker room last fall. March 1, 2022 Greater Boston. The 25 new centers are expected to ease the burden on emergency rooms for patients with behavioral health crises. I'm Peter Iliopoulos, WCVB News Center five, Okay. Woburn police and the Middlesex District Attorneys office are now investigating. The remaining coaches reported hearing nothing unusual from their offices near the locker room, despite the loud commotion, which numerous players recorded. Coucelos alleged he also was punched by another student on a school bus, but the investigation determined Coucelos himself was the aggressor. Andrews is gone. The Woburn case is one of numerous violent incidents in high school sports over the last year that have captured the attention of government officials, civil rights groups, and student safety organizations. 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. Severe Weather Alerts We're live in Woburn. Contests & Promotions. While charges are pending for some students, Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be held accountable, too. 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. He was attacked in his Spanish class. The Haverhill School Committee was scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday. 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. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. 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. Coaches are, by policy, considered responsible for safeguarding student-athletes against any form of abuse. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV. Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. 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. (WHDH) - Seven Woburn High School students are facing assault and battery charges after they allegedly attacked a former classmate. Last spring, several schools across the state were faced with the emergence of hazing incidents on their athletic teams, some resulting in criminal charges against athletes and ties cut with coaches, athletic directors, and top administrators. His parents made that decision to withdraw him from the school because it was no longer safe for him to be there. LEAGUE 4-1 2nd Middlesex - Liberty. And this has very negatively impacted both Jonathan and his parents, the whole family.. "The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. "It was gross. "I lost half of my friends. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. WE NEED TO DETERMINE HOW THIS HAPPENED AND WHAT WE CAN DO SO THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN. CNN A high school near Pennsylvanias capital has canceled its upcoming football season over reports of hazing by members of the schools football team. That week, the Woburn Police Department and Middlesex District Attorney announced they were investigating the incident. 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 Sources tell 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. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. 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. PF343 PA206 STREAK2W. With your support, GBH will continue to innovate, inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets todays moments. 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 share in the collective shock and outrage regarding this incident.". The only game left on the 2022 Haverhill High football schedule was the Thanksgiving rivalry game against Lowell High School. 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. Johnathan Coucelos (center) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn's football program. Hahn said a hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Lowell Juvenile Court was moved to March. Last September, Johnathan Coucelos had just finished dressing in the freshman locker room when he got jumped by about a dozen teammates, a video recording shows. The investigation found Coucelos also was assaulted in his Spanish classroom by a former football player who accused him of snitching and was punched in a school bathroom by a student who chided him for not defending himself more forcefully during the locker room assault. A Woburn school psychologists evaluation states he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, causing him significant symptoms of anxiety and depression, due to the violence he endured. "The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students. "Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe. "They haven't given my son or even us any support whatsoever," Kevin Coucelos said. OVERALL 7-4 0.64 Win %. Several media outlets have reported on a video, posted to Boston 25, allegedly showing members of the football team hazing a teenage boy. Hire A Woburn Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning. BOSTON, Ma. Woburn likes to cover things up, said Kevin Coucelos, Johnathans father and a lifelong resident. With Haverhill forfeiting the contest, Lowell will finish the season with a 4-7 record. 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). Wilson said he wasnt surprised by news of bullying in Belchers program. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. "As your superintendent I promise that the standards we will set for ourselves, our sports programs and how we are to treat one another will be of paramount importance as we continue to move through this process and learn all the facts and circumstances," Crowley wrote. Woburn School Superintendent Matthew Crowley issued a statement saying Coucelos was unjustly assaulted by other members of the football team. He wrote that Woburn is committed to providing enhanced training for athletic staff to ensure safe participation in athletics for all of our students., Crowley maintained that Woburns football coaches were aware of the prohibitions against bullying and hazing prior to the school year. Multiple investigations are being undertaken. I feel like parents need to be more involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are. 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 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. A Woburn family is seeking charges against teenagers accused of assaulting their son in a high school locker room last fall. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Bullying claims date back years in Woburn High School football program By Bob Hohler Globe Staff,Updated February 26, 2022, It gets me emotional every time I have to talk about this.". "Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. 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.. "I urge patience as we are all eager to view the results, myself included.". Woburn Memorial Football. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. 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. 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. "I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation. 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. Belcher also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. Just no, they're kids temperament, that stuff. "Very heartbroken.. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. >> WANT TO GET STUDENTS -- STUDENT ATHLETES AND ADULT LEADERS IN A ROOM AND START TALKING ABOUT HOW TO BEAT HUMAN BEINGS. Peter Hahn, the attorney representing the Couceles family, said five high school students are facing charges for assault and battery for the September incident. }Customer Service. 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. This is an active and ongoing investigation. THIS IS VIDEO OF THE ALLEGED HAZING INCIDENT IN THE FOOTBALL LOCKROOM. WOBURN, MA The family of a Woburn 14-year-old who said he was threatened, punched and sexually assaulted in a school locker room is criticizing Woburn Public Schools, Woburn police and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office for lack of action on the incidents, according to a Boston Globe report. He was attacked in the bathroom. Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe.. He says there needs to be more accountability. . `` in the school lot of games and I thought he might turn things around BLURRED LEWD. To meet at 7 p.m. Thursday their son in a high school students are facing criminal charges in `` was... Not specifically mention the football team given my son or even us any support whatsoever, Kevin... Decision to withdraw him from the school you will SEE IS HIGHLY.. Parents made that decision to withdraw him from the school failed Coucelos Passport, HOW Brookline... 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