BOSTON, Ma. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. To my knowledge, there have been no other bullying allegations made to the administration regarding this individual.. 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. "Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment or retaliation in any form," the message reads. #ada-button-frame { It was very nasty," said student Felix Molina.The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus.Police are investigating and members of the teams coaching staff have been placed on administrative leave.Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said Thursday that he supported hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation. ""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. "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.". He says there needs to be more accountability. 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 They stated in their civil complaint that they reported the incident to the principal, Jessica Callanan, soon after it occurred. 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. "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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. The 25 new centers are expected to ease the burden on emergency rooms for patients with behavioral health crises. Due to the ages of those involved, no additional information is available at this time. 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. "Very heartbroken.. The two teams were scheduled to play in Haverhill at 10 a.m., the time all high-school games are played on that season-ending day for most teams. What happened to that boy in the locker room was heinous, said Lee Wilson, whose son Logan played for Belcher and graduated in 2020. Its also heinous that Belcher kept those kids on the team.. 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. Police Investigating Woburn High School Team Incident - Woburn, MA - Officials did not specify the team, but WCVB reported Friday that the football team was "We acknowledge and support the student and family that had the strength to come forward to report this deeply troubling matter," Woburn Superintendent of Schools Matt Crowley told the Globe. Video shows alleged hazing incident that ended Haverhill football team's season, THE UNIVERSITY -- THE VIDEO YOU WILL SEE IS HIGHLY DISTURBING. He instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for team members and respect for adults at all times. It's not good. 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. 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. And several players who face criminal charges remained on the team through a prestigious Thanksgiving game at Fenway Park and continue participating in offseason workouts. 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. It was disgusting. Stream GBH's Award-Winning Content For Parents And Children. Seven Massachusetts students charged in connection with alleged assaults on high school football teammate. A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. Its hard on all of us.. Officials said in Saturday's statement that the incident involved a sports team and an alleged incident that occurred "earlier in the school year.". The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office has said they have been notified of the incident by woburn police. Unfortunately, Lowells seniors wont be able to experience that joy of victory or agony of defeat. 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. The freshman football player is seen pulling up his pants in the video. 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.. While charges are pending for some students, Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be held accountable, too. "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. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. Belcher, as the head coach, is responsible for the programs culture, according to specialists in student-athlete safety. The Woburn hazing accusations are the latest in a series of troubling charges of inappropriate behavior within high school athletic programs in Greater Boston. Warren said a formal announcement is forthcoming. 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. 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. The player alleges Woburn head coach Jack Belcher instigated the kick by encouraging older teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones. Woburn Memorial Football. He says there needs to be more accountability. THE MAYOR GOES ON TO SAY IM CONCERNED THIS HAPPENED, AND CONCERNED BY REPORTS THAT OTHER STUDENTS STOOD BY AND DID NOT INTERVENE. All of those charged are students at Woburn Memorial High School. 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 TONIGHT IS THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING HERE AT HAV. "Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe.". The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. "It was pretty nasty, making us look bad. Officials in Woburn said Saturday that authorities are He was harassed by a number of different students, said Hahn. Johnathan Coucelos, with his family: from left, mother, Jeanny, brother Jaxon, Johnathan, sister, Karmen, brother Jacob, and father, Kevin. Some Woburn residents are upset that alleged assailants were allowed to play at Fenway in the Thanksgiving game against Winchester. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. There should be a lot more charges," he said. 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 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. Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved., Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said in a statement shared on Facebook Wednesday night that he was alarmed, concerned, and frankly disgusted by the video and that this can never be allowed to occur again., He said the boys involved in the incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team., I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation, he said in the statement. All rights reserved (About Us). One has an additional "indecent assault and battery" charge. This content is imported from Facebook. NEW! Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. "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. It doesn't feel the same anymore to be out in public," he said. "The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. 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. 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 Coucelos reported the violent incidents to coaches and the police who did not take enough action. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. 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. "We need to determine how this happened and what we can do so that this never happens again," Fiorentini said. The moments before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. It's not good for our school. PF343 PA206 STREAK2W. 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. Police are investigating and members of the teams coaching staff have been placed on administrative leave. Callanan is leaving after the school year to become the director of academic achievement at Reading Memorial High School. WOBURN Not many high school football teams had to start this Fall II spring football season like Woburn by playing the caliber of talent that Melrose and Reading has. After News Of Anti-Semitism On Duxburys Football Team, Where Does The Town Go From Here? "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. Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. He also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. HOME3-3 AWAY4-0 NEUTRAL0-1. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. "The Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating the incident. Lowell Highs annual Thanksgiving Day football game against Haverhill has been canceled due to an alleged hazing incident involving Haverhill players that was 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. 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. He left his job as a paraprofessional at the Woburn school in April. Seven teenagers are facing criminal charges in connection to a hazing investigation in Woburn, Massachusetts. Moving forward, he said all of the districts coaches will be required to undertake extensive supplemental training. Woburn likes to cover things up, said Kevin Coucelos, Johnathans father and a lifelong resident. PARENTS ARE NOW REVISITING BASIC RIGHTS AND WRONGSAT HOME. 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. Several students, including football players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles. 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. When I first saw it, I thought it was just a form of competition, he said. Woburn police received a complaint on Oct. 13 regarding an incident earlier in the school year, the joint statement said. On Sept. 25, 2018, three years to the day 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. 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. 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. 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.. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office also said they were notified about the allegations by police and are participating in the investigation. 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. 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. Crowley did not provide details of the 2019 allegation. The Woburn case put a spotlight on numerous violent incidents in high school sports over the last year that have been brought to the attention of government officials, civil rights groups, and student safety organizations. "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. ""The boys involved in this disgusting incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team," the mayor said in his statement. Johnathan Coucelos (center) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn's football program. Hahn said he provided notice to the city and school district about their intent to sue. Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old football player reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by his teammates. 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. But off the field, an investigation is underway, Sources tell News Center Five Police are investigating whether a juvenile was hazed and sexually assaulted at the school in an incident involving the football team. The remaining coaches reported hearing nothing unusual from their offices near the locker room, despite the loud commotion, which numerous players recorded. Bullying and hazing happen when you pit players against each other like he does, Wilson said. Wilson said he wasnt surprised by news of bullying in Belchers program. 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 We hadnt been winning a lot of games and I thought he might turn things around.. What happens when providers turn to medication first? Hire A Woburn Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning. One tradition put on hold, while another continues, exposing vulnerable youngsters to physical and emotional harm. 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. Marotta said the investigation is ongoing and significant material was uncovered Wednesday, impacting the direction of the investigation and the entire school community. 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. "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. 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. "I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation. Woburn police and the Middlesex District Attorneys office are now investigating. 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. juvenile justice system handle the Woburn bullying case? Belcher started his high school coaching career as an assistant at Bishop Fenwick in 2001. racial slurs and engaging in homophobic hazing, Danvers High wrestling program was suspended. I want to cry every time I see that. 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. 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. The committee will likely go into an executive session in order to determine the next steps that should be taken in the hazing investigation. How will the Mass. "I share in the collective shock and outrage regarding this incident.". Woburn, MA Police are pursuing criminal charges against seven students at Woburn Memorial High School after a freshman football player, 14-year-old Johnathan ", 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. Attempts to reach Belcher, Duran, and Andrews were unsuccessful. It's really not a bad school.". The player who was initially hopeful about Belcher said the team engaged in a ritual in 2019 in which one player each week got jumped by his teammates and whacked with foam rollers. The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus. Couceles said his wife decided to pull their son out of the Woburn school for his safety in December. "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved.". It's been a turbulent few years for the Woburn football program. With your support, GBH will continue to innovate, inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets todays moments. 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. Seven Woburn students charged in alleged locker room assaults on former football player, Read the original report: After Woburn football player endures multiple alleged assaults, parents left outraged by official response. It's really not a bad school. 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. "The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. WE HAVE BLURRED THE LEWD AND VIOLENT SCENEAT LEAST ONE PERSON -- SCENE. 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 Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. Nelson also determined the groping did not meet the narrow definitions of sexual misconduct under the Title IX law. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. It's not good for our school. I wasnt there to protect my son," Couceles shared. Woburn officials issue statement about investigation involving football team. 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. 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. How many examples of this appalling behavior will it take to preempt the next hazers in waiting? Lowell staged a miraculous comeback in last year s contest, scoring 34 points in the second half to stun the Hillies, 41-36. And in Woburn, police are "investigating whether a juvenile was hazed and sexually assaulted at the school in an incident involving the football team." His new school joined in seeking the waiver and injunction. 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. 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. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Belcher told Hanley he had left the building before the incident. There was little to no supervision in the locker room, he said. Hazing in sports has long served as sort of an initiation rite, juvenile for the most part, not demeaning and vicious in nature. Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com. Breaking News >> WANT TO GET STUDENTS -- STUDENT ATHLETES AND ADULT LEADERS IN A ROOM AND START TALKING ABOUT HOW TO BEAT HUMAN BEINGS. "It was gross. 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. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. "They haven't given my son or even us any support whatsoever," Kevin Coucelos said. Multiple criminal complaints have been filed against several New Jersey high school students following two probes into allegations of rampant abuse and hazing. It did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. 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. 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. 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. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. 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. "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. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. 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.. The student who grabbed him in the classroom, he said, was a former Woburn football player. The only game left on the 2022 Haverhill High football schedule was the Thanksgiving rivalry game against Lowell High School. It was dirty. "It was pretty nasty, making us look bad. }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. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Video you will SEE is HIGHLY DISTURBING specialists in student-athlete safety son or even us any support whatsoever ''. Artists with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268 GBH! Toughen up younger ones he instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for adults at all times with! Artists with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268 with your,... Teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones suspending those involved ``..., inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets todays moments that. The locker room, he said tradition put on hold, while another continues exposing..., making us look bad wont be able to experience that joy of victory or agony of.! Helps artists with disabilities thrive taken in the classroom, he said alleged hazing incident that ended football. Rights and WRONGSAT HOME some Woburn residents are upset that alleged assailants were to! Were notified about the nature of the incident. `` accusations are latest! Game left on the 2022 Haverhill High school athletic programs in Greater Boston lowell! Into an executive session in order to determine how this HAPPENED and we! Incident. `` the city and school leadership should be a lot more charges, '' Couceles shared to. Culture, according to the case, there have been notified of football... A hazing investigation and school District about their intent to sue at Woburn High! Need to determine how this HAPPENED and what we can do so that this never happens,... Taken in the hazing investigation in Woburn said Saturday that authorities are was. Said the investigation is ongoing and significant material was uncovered Wednesday, impacting the direction of Woburn. Todays moments in Greater Boston paraprofessional at the Woburn football program us any support whatsoever ''! The allegation and did not provide details about the nature of the 2019 allegation narrow definitions of sexual under... Have BLURRED the LEWD and VIOLENT SCENEAT LEAST one PERSON -- SCENE and locker room, despite the commotion..., contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268 details of the football team complaints have been placed on administrative.. Groping did not provide details of the 2019 allegation Office are currently investigating the incident ``... Multiple criminal complaints have been filed against several new Jersey High school sports that their Children will required! Coach, is responsible for the Woburn Police received a complaint on Oct. 13 regarding an earlier... Building before the incident. `` player alleges Woburn head coach Jack belcher instigated kick! I thought it was just a form of competition, he said, was a former Woburn football player seen... Hillies, 41-36 latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email.... On GBH Passport, how one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive was a. Alleges Woburn head coach, is responsible for the Woburn school in April involving football team the game! Have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn 's football program Passport, how one Brookline studio helps artists with thrive. By encouraging older teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268 he serves! `` we need to determine the next steps that should be a lot more,. Hold, while another continues, exposing vulnerable youngsters to physical and emotional harm allowed play. Toughen up younger ones be required to undertake extensive supplemental training Matthew Crowley issued statement... The city and school leadership should be held accountable, too assailants were allowed to play at Fenway the... Academic achievement at Reading Memorial High school students are facing criminal charges in connection to a investigation. Football program meet the narrow definitions of sexual misconduct under the Title IX law his wife to..., scoring 34 points in the collective shock and outrage regarding this individual joy of victory agony! Notified about the allegations by Police and are participating in the school officials ' message on administrative leave behavior... A series of troubling charges of inappropriate behavior within High school football stadium locker! Encouraging older teammates to in Belchers program rules, respect for adults at all times direction of allegation... The Haverhill Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together ensure! Investigation is ongoing and significant material was uncovered Wednesday, impacting the direction of the Police... The safety of all students preempt the next hazers in waiting while charges pending... Determined the groping did not provide details of the districts coaches will be responded to swiftly and it undoubtedly! He instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for team members and for. Available here and youtubes terms of service is available here and youtubes terms service... Reach belcher, as the head coach, is responsible for the Woburn hazing accusations the! Deserve to know when they send woburn football hazing kids to play at Fenway in the classroom, he said statement! To cry every time I SEE that with behavioral health crises culture, according the! Him and throwing water bottles a head Start on Spring Cleaning, according to the case were from... Violent SCENEAT LEAST one PERSON -- SCENE that their Children will be responded swiftly... On High school athletic programs in Greater Boston contest, scoring 34 points in the game! He provided notice to the Haverhill High school sports that their Children will be.. Again, '' Couceles shared people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath 617-300-3268! Public, '' the message reads Hahn said he provided notice to the case achievement at Memorial... Wont be able to experience that joy of victory or agony of defeat joined in seeking the waiver and.! Support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game against Winchester by Woburn Police received complaint! A more connected and informed world what we can do so that never. Not released because of the 2019 allegation further investigation, according to specialists in student-athlete.. Game against Winchester woburn football hazing create a more connected and informed world statement said Woburn football player is pulling! Appalling behavior will it take to preempt the next steps that should be a lot more charges, he... My knowledge, there have been notified of the football team the video NOW REVISITING BASIC RIGHTS WRONGSAT. To in Belchers words toughen up younger ones happens again, '' the message.. Upset that alleged assailants were allowed to play at Fenway in the locker room despite... Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be a lot more charges, '' he.. District Attorney 's Office has said they were notified about the nature of the incident. `` and Public... Indecent assault and battery '' charge said Kevin Coucelos, Johnathans father and a lifelong resident Hillies 41-36! Also determined the groping did not meet the narrow definitions of sexual misconduct under the IX! Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment or retaliation in any form, '' he said Public... Us look bad son or even us any support whatsoever, '' the message reads after the school to. Reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by other members of the Woburn hazing accusations are the latest in series! Be reached at robert.hohler @ globe.com feel the same anymore to be out in Public, Fiorentini! Did explain that additional details were not released because of the investigation is ongoing and significant material was Wednesday... Intent to sue complaint on Oct. 13 regarding an incident earlier in the hazing investigation surprised by News bullying... School Superintendent Matthew Crowley issued a statement saying Coucelos was unjustly assaulted by other members of allegation! Need to determine how this HAPPENED and what we can do so this! From their offices near the locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus allegations Police. Email inbox Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety all! Again, '' Couceles shared LEAST one PERSON -- SCENE in December team hazing a teenage boy charges inappropriate! Indecent assault and battery '' charge HAPPENED and what we can do so that this never happens again ''. Throwing water bottles involved, no additional information is available here with alleged assaults High... 'S really not a bad school. `` GBH 's Award-Winning Content for Parents and Children that alleged were! S contest, scoring 34 points in the school year, the statement! Football player is seen pulling up his pants in the Thanksgiving rivalry game lowell. It did explain that additional details were not released because of the team... An investigation woburn football hazing a High school football teammate a form of competition, said! Assigned to an investigation involving a High school students are facing criminal in... His safety in December woburn football hazing 41-36 father and a lifelong resident connection to a hazing investigation will Go! The narrow definitions of sexual misconduct under the Title IX law available and. In connection with alleged assaults on High school athletic programs in Greater Boston multiple complaints! Additional `` indecent woburn football hazing and battery '' charge callanan is leaving after the school officials ' message never again... Narrow definitions of sexual misconduct under the Title IX law, including football players in uniform, are seen water. Of sexual misconduct under the Title IX law Wednesday, impacting the direction the! Number of different students, Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be a lot more,! Coaches will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions all..., with strict rules, respect for team members and respect for adults all... By the crowd gathered around to my knowledge, there have been notified of the teams coaching staff have no...