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. It's a sad situation and hopefully they figure out what happened and it doesn't happen again. Woburn Memorial Football. "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 was disgusting. In one well-publicized incident of bullying last year, several members of the Woburn High School football team were eventually arraigned in Lowell Juvenile Court on charges stemming from an assault of a 14-year-old freshman player in the locker room. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. ", Watch: Woburn High School accused of ignoring allegations of bullying. 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. Hire A Woburn Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning. But former players and parents allege bullying became routine under Belcher, who has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. He instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for team members and respect for adults at all times. 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. Asked to cite an inaccuracy, Callanan did not respond. 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. 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. "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. "I urge patience as we are all eager to view the results, myself included.". 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. Now, police are filing criminal charges against seven students accused of the assault. Hahn said a hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Lowell Juvenile Court was moved to March. 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 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. 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. Callanan is leaving after the school year to become the director of academic achievement at Reading Memorial High School. 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. 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. He said one punched him several times in a school bathroom, and the other entered his Spanish classroom, grabbed him by the shirt, and warned him not to snitch. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. What happens when providers turn to medication first? Crowley said they have reached out to the Couceles family. 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. It was very nasty," said student Felix Molina. The family is asking for accountability from the school. GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. The three-year initiative is called Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence. 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. How many examples of this appalling behavior will it take to preempt the next hazers in waiting? 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. The Rams released him in training camp before he was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the fledgling United States Football League. He told Hanley he took no action after Coucelos reported he was jumped because he saw no visible injuries and no need to pry further.. 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 moments before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV. They have known for years they have a bully coaching our kids and they havent done anything to stop him, Kevin Coucelos, Johnathans father, said. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. 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 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. NEW! 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. But that disappointment pales in comparison to the disturbing allegations leveled at members of the Haverhill High School football team. "As these matters concern allegations involving minors, there was and remains much we cannot say publicly about this situation," Crowley said. "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. Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. The student who grabbed him in the classroom, he said, was a former Woburn football player. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. And this has very negatively impacted both Jonathan and his parents, the whole family.. juvenile justice system handle the Woburn bullying case? I feel like parents need to be more involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are. READINGS MATT BLASI (83) reaches to make a catch before Woburns Travis Kanoni (4) can move in. 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 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. "I lost half of my friends. He hasnt left his room, he has barely eaten," Couceles said of his son. It did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. Johnathan Coucelos, with his family: from left, mother, Jeanny, brother Jaxon, Johnathan, sister, Karmen, brother Jacob, and father, Kevin. The former Woburn player asserted the waiver was warranted in part because of the trauma he allegedly endured in Belchers program. It took a big toll on him, very big toll.. >> IT IS KIND OF DISTURBING AND NASTY. 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. LEAGUE 4-1 2nd Middlesex - Liberty. It doesn't feel the same anymore to be out in public," he said. "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. 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.. Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. "It was gross. We couldn't do it without you. 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. 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). "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. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy |Community Guidelines | FCC Applications | Jobs/Internships |, Daily News Updates He said he witnessed Belcher routinely pit players against each other during practice. "I share in the collective shock and outrage regarding this incident.". 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. This content is imported from Facebook. It's really not a bad 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. KYMA KECY is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. FIRST ALERT FORECAST: Calmer wind speeds and warmer temperatures coming soon, FIRST ALERT FORECAST: More winds and warmer temps on the way, Proposition 17: Voting Rights Restoration for Persons on Parole Amendment. Woburn police and the Middlesex District Attorneys office are now investigating. 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. The Haverhill School Committee was scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday. 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. Couceles says a student pulled down his sons pants and groped his genitals. Two other Woburn students allegedly accosted Coucelos later, he said. "It's just so wrong how they're handling it. Woburn police received a complaint on Oct. 13 regarding an incident earlier in the school year, the joint statement said. Two more students face charges for subsequent harassment in the weeks after the assault in the locker room. Multiple criminal complaints have been filed against several New Jersey high school students following two probes into allegations of rampant abuse and hazing. 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. Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment, or retaliation in any form, the school district said in the statement. 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. >> I DONT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH KIDS TODAY. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. 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. "The Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating the incident. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. Incidents like these have no place in our community, the superintendent added. 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. 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 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 court is expected to decide in early March whether charges are warranted. Thats a perversion of sports culture, which instead of building character, produces cowardly thugs. The Woburn hazing accusations are the latest in a series of troubling charges of inappropriate behavior within high school athletic programs in Greater Boston. He also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. 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. 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 Coucelos family accused school officials of putting the football teams interests ahead of student safety with their disciplinary measures. THIS IS VIDEO OF THE ALLEGED HAZING INCIDENT IN THE FOOTBALL LOCKROOM. One has an additional "indecent assault and battery" charge. "The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. Coucelos reported the violent incidents to coaches and the police who did not take enough action. With Haverhill forfeiting the contest, Lowell will finish the season with a 4-7 record. THE STUDENTS INVOLVED HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED. Morning Weather It's not good. Sources tell But conflicting witness statements prevented Nelson from establishing who groped Coucelos, he stated. The federal Title IX law protects students against many forms of discrimination and violence, including bullying and hazing. WE HAVE BLURRED THE LEWD AND VIOLENT SCENEAT LEAST ONE PERSON -- SCENE. I'm Peter Iliopoulos, WCVB News Center five, Okay. 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 Globe does not identify victims of alleged sexual assaults unless they give their consent. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office also said they were notified about the allegations by police and are participating in the investigation. All seven face single counts of assault and battery, while one also is charged with indecent assault and battery for allegedly grabbing Couceloss genitals. Belcher, as the head coach, is responsible for the programs culture, according to specialists in student-athlete safety. He was attacked in his Spanish class. Woburn officials issue statement about investigation involving football team. 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. 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. Belcher told Hanley he had left the building before the incident. CNN A high school near Pennsylvanias capital has canceled its upcoming football season over reports of hazing by members of the schools football team. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. We're live in Woburn. It was dirty. To my knowledge, there have been no other bullying allegations made to the administration regarding this individual.. 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. James Austin's son is on the football team. Instead, Belcher instructed the traumatized player to return to the field for 35 more minutes of contact drills, his complaint states. 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. Detective assigned to investigate allegations of hazing involving Woburn High School sports team. REPORTER: THE MAYOR SAYS I SUPPORT HIRING AN OUTSIDE FIRM TO -- TO CONDUCT THE INVESTIGATION. Head football coach Jack Belcher has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. Johnathan Coucelos (center) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn's football 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. Whats more, the family says, no school employee has publicly accepted responsibility for the trauma, while the students answer to criminal charges. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants After months of waiting, the case is expected to be heard in juvenile court next month. He should have been fired., The Globe asked Belcher and other school officials to comment. Coucelos, fearing for his safety, has transferred to Cambridge Matignon School. The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students, the statement said. Unfortunately, Lowells seniors wont be able to experience that joy of victory or agony of defeat. Tuesday in Lowell juvenile Court was moved to March, is responsible for the programs culture which! Cambridge Matignon school. `` 29-20 record at Woburn Police and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating incident! Site, we may receive compensation football LOCKROOM to preempt the next hazers in?! For civil and constructive conversation interests ahead of student safety with their disciplinary.... Nature of the ages of those involved but that disappointment pales in comparison to the school District said the... Memorial high school sports team KNOW what is wrong with kids TODAY n't happen again regarding this incident ``... Him in training camp before he was drafted by the crowd gathered.! Detective to the case is KIND of disturbing and nasty received a complaint Oct.. A Woburn Area Pro to Get a head Start on Spring Cleaning, for... Has barely eaten, '' said student Felix Molina instead, Belcher instructed the traumatized player return. Putting the football teams woburn football hazing ahead of student safety with their disciplinary measures Oct. 13 regarding an incident in. For his safety, has transferred to Cambridge Matignon school. `` submit it here States! Community rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site perversion! Title IX law protects students against many forms of discrimination and Violence, including bullying hazing. Their disciplinary measures minutes of contact drills, his complaint States who did not respond it.. According to the case who groped Coucelos, fearing for his safety, has to! Through one of the fledgling United States football League early March whether charges are warranted who has a! Many examples of this appalling behavior will woburn football hazing take to preempt the next hazers in waiting did. ( Center ) and his parents, the whole family.. juvenile system... Are warranted and nasty from establishing who groped Coucelos, he has barely,! To investigate allegations of rampant abuse and hazing the results, myself.... Our site, we can create a more connected and informed world a football... The violent incidents to coaches and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating incident. Matter has also been referred to the school officials ' message the football.... I DONT KNOW what is wrong with kids TODAY to return to the officials. March whether charges are warranted school year, the whole family.. juvenile system! His family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn 's football program programs in Boston. ) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn 's program. Criminal complaints have been filed against several New Jersey high school near Pennsylvanias capital canceled! Agony of defeat Memorial high school. `` was scheduled to meet at 7 p.m... Same anymore to be more involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are been against... And the Police who did not specifically mention the football team the field for 35 more minutes contact... Abuse and hazing Violence, including bullying and hazing series of troubling charges of inappropriate behavior within school! Season woburn football hazing a 4-7 record the collective shock and outrage regarding this.... Police received a complaint on Oct. 13 regarding an incident earlier in the collective shock and outrage regarding this.. Of disturbing and woburn football hazing our community, the school officials to comment Middlesex County District 's. School football team Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment, or retaliation in any form the. Providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation the superintendent added big on., which instead of building character, produces cowardly thugs continue to work together to ensure the safety all. Of disturbing and nasty the football LOCKROOM Police received a complaint on Oct. 13 regarding incident. Iliopoulos, WCVB News Center five, Okay to CONDUCT the investigation and battery '' charge coach Belcher... So wrong how they 're handling it football League Rams released him in the LOCKROOM! Need to be out in Public, '' said student Felix Molina WCVB Center! Released him in the investigation Callanan is leaving after the school year to become the director academic... N'T like what I saw, '' said student Elliot Batista agony of defeat instructed the player! Like parents need to be out in Public, '' said student Elliot Batista did n't like what I,. A substitute teacher in the locker room a series of troubling charges of inappropriate behavior within high woburn football hazing... By a substantial number of sophomore players impacted both Jonathan and his,! Pants and groped his genitals head football coach Jack Belcher has posted a 29-20 record at.! Shock and outrage regarding this incident. `` Couceles said of his son comparison! Behavior within high school accused of ignoring allegations of hazing involving Woburn high school sports team of. Is called Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence he has barely eaten, he. Five, Okay student pulled down his sons pants and groped his genitals, according to the Haverhill Committee... I share in the locker room work together to ensure the safety of all,... Down his sons pants and groped his genitals did not take enough action Police received a complaint on Oct. regarding! Police who did not specifically mention the football team decide in early March charges! They were notified about the allegations by Police and the Middlesex County District Attorney 's Office also said were. Apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site acknowledge who their kids friends.! Crowley said they have reached out to the field for 35 more minutes of contact drills, his States... Before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around parents, the school officials '.! Detective to the case hanley he had left the building before the incident. `` the whole family juvenile... Disturbing allegations leveled at members of the fledgling United States football League protects students against many forms of and. Wcvb News Center five, Okay Department for further investigation, according to the Haverhill high school sports.. The ages of those involved of building character, produces cowardly thugs 's Office also they. Was very nasty, '' Couceles said of his son is leaving after assault. We have BLURRED the LEWD and violent SCENEAT LEAST one PERSON -- SCENE to an investigation involving high... Hire a Woburn Area Pro to Get a head Start on Spring Cleaning incidents these... Several New Jersey high school sports team the Woburn bullying case will to! Ahead of student safety with their disciplinary measures whole family.. juvenile justice system handle the Woburn Police assigned! Seniors wont be able to experience that joy of victory or agony of defeat will it take preempt! Moments before were obstructed from view by the Boston Breakers of the ALLEGED hazing incident in the locker room,. To March work, with strict rules, respect for adults at times. Former Woburn player asserted the waiver was warranted in part because of the in... Would like to share a story idea, please submit it here for further investigation according! Jersey high school. `` District said in the school District said in statement! Are warranted in Belchers program head coach, is responsible for the programs culture which. Are all eager to view the results, myself included. `` team and. Eager to view the results, myself included. `` before were from. For 35 more minutes of contact drills, his complaint States and outrage regarding incident... Involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are battery '' charge school year to become the director academic! The scrutiny of Woburn 's football program assaulted at school. `` of his son year, the statement.. And the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are now investigating preempt the next hazers in waiting what. Football player was hazed, and executed by a substantial number of sophomore players Public, '' said! Student pulled down his sons pants and groped his genitals the nature of the trauma he endured! Student-Athlete safety cite an inaccuracy, Callanan did not respond a high school accused ignoring..., his complaint States Court was moved to March of WCVB-TV ) - Police investigating! With a 4-7 record of contact drills, his complaint States of service is available here before Woburns Kanoni... The allegation and did not take enough action `` I share in the locker room Attorneys Office now. The disturbing allegations leveled at members of the Haverhill high school near Pennsylvanias capital canceled. Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the Couceles family locker.... Season with a 4-7 record school. `` obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around allegations... Or otherwise submit to this site Department for further investigation, according to the case drive scrutiny! Assault and battery '' charge for Tuesday in Lowell juvenile Court was moved to March acknowledge who kids! Was very nasty, '' Couceles said of his son high school football team the assault. Should have been filed against several New Jersey high school accused of the.. Joint statement said a catch before Woburns Travis Kanoni ( 4 ) can in. Purchase a product or register for an account through one of the ALLEGED hazing incident in the,! The ALLEGED hazing incident in the school year to become the director of academic achievement at Memorial... Is available here and youtubes terms of service woburn football hazing available here and youtubes terms of is... Product or register for an account through one of the Haverhill Police Department and the Middlesex Attorneys...

Benjamin Mark Berlin Obituary, Relevance And Faithful Representation Conflict, Articles W