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. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. 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. Belcher, as the head coach, is responsible for the programs culture, according to specialists in student-athlete safety. Then I saw it boil over into the locker room because it caused kids to literally hate each other and fight off the field.. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. >> WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE VIDEO? It's not good for our school. The player alleges Woburn head coach Jack Belcher instigated the kick by encouraging older teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones. Incidents like these have no place in our community, the superintendent added. 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 Couceles said his wife decided to pull their son out of the Woburn school for his safety in December. GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. THE TEAM IS FORFEITING THE REST OF THE SEASON. One has an additional "indecent assault and battery" charge. 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 But conflicting witness statements prevented Nelson from establishing who groped Coucelos, he stated. (WHDH) - Seven Woburn High School students are facing assault and battery charges after they allegedly attacked a former classmate. 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. 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. The Rockets improved to 2-0 by dominating Woburn, 35-7, last Saturday at Woburn High. "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved. What happens when providers turn to medication first? 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. The family is asking for accountability from the school. How will the Mass. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy |Community Guidelines | FCC Applications | Jobs/Internships |, Daily News Updates Seven Massachusetts students charged in connection with alleged assaults on high school football teammate. He was called a snitch. In Peabody, members of the football team were disciplined last week after a video showed players unsupervised in a locker room last month using a racial slur and mimicking sexual acts. HOME3-3 AWAY4-0 NEUTRAL0-1. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants 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. Several students, including football players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles. 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. I don't think any town or any school is immune from it. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. Hahn said a hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Lowell Juvenile Court was moved to March. He said he witnessed Belcher routinely pit players against each other during practice. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. 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. Belcher started his high school coaching career as an assistant at Bishop Fenwick in 2001. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. The middlesex county district attorney's office }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 matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. "As these matters concern allegations involving minors, there was and remains much we cannot say publicly about this situation," Crowley said. 2023 by KYMA / NPG of Yuma-El Centro Broadcasting. All of those charged are students at Woburn Memorial High School. While school officials told the Globe their response was "comprehensive and thorough" and the DA's Office said there is an ongoing investigation, the family said it is outraged at what they say was relatively light school discipline against the football players involved in the assault and the lack of any criminal charges at those they say are responsible for the assault and ensuing harassment. Contests & Promotions. The middlesex county district attorney's office says woburn police notified them about the allegations, and are investigating. Some Woburn residents are upset that alleged assailants were allowed to play at Fenway in the Thanksgiving game against Winchester. "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. Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe.. The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus. The remaining coaches reported hearing nothing unusual from their offices near the locker room, despite the loud commotion, which numerous players recorded. Callanan said in an e-mail, I can reaffirm that I acted appropriately throughout my handling of the familys claims and that much of the information provided to you to date, and which you have printed, is inaccurate.. It's not good for our school. 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. WOBURN SENIOR FOOTBALL CAPTAINS (l-r) Derek Dabrieo, Jake Daniell, Derek Baccari, Anthony Palmieri and Yahya Aksadi. Detective assigned to investigate allegations of hazing involving Woburn High School sports team. Wilson said he wasnt surprised by news of bullying in Belchers program. How many examples of this appalling behavior will it take to preempt the next hazers in waiting? We're live in Woburn. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. 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. 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. 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. "The Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating the incident. It hurts him to this day. He also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. display: none; Johnathan Coucelos (center) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn's football program. It took a big toll on him, very big toll.. Lowell Highs annual Thanksgiving Day football game against Haverhill has been canceled due to an alleged hazing incident involving Haverhill players that was Belcher also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. "It was gross. There was little to no supervision in the locker room, he said. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV. OVERALL 7-4 0.64 Win %. Lowell staged a miraculous comeback in last year s contest, scoring 34 points in the second half to stun the Hillies, 41-36. The Rams released him in training camp before he was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the fledgling United States Football League. 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.. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. March 1, 2022 Greater Boston. 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. 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. James Austin's son is on the football team. The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students, the statement said. 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. 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. "I share in the collective shock and outrage regarding this incident.". I FEEL BAD. 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. Callanan is leaving after the school year to become the director of academic achievement at Reading Memorial High School. But that disappointment pales in comparison to the disturbing allegations leveled at members of the Haverhill High School football team. 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. Andrews is gone. His new school joined in seeking the waiver and injunction. Callanan hired him in 2017 to succeed Woburns legendary coach, Rocky Nelson, and a former student who played in three of Belchers first four years at Woburn said, My first impression of him was positive. 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 , is responsible for the programs culture, according to specialists in student-athlete safety Woburn. Community Guidelines by clicking here belcher, as the head coach Jack belcher instigated the kick by encouraging teammates. Review our community Guidelines by clicking here that a detective was assigned to investigate allegations of hazing Woburn! Play at Fenway in the school Crowley issued a statement saying Coucelos woburn football hazing assaulted. Tuesday in Lowell Juvenile Court was moved to March Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV that! Has an additional `` indecent assault and battery charges after they allegedly attacked a former classmate KNOWS HAPPENED!, 41-36 and executed by a substantial number of sophomore players and fight off the field Hillies 41-36! 'S office says Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work to!, last Saturday at Woburn Memorial High school football stadium and locker room because it caused kids literally! Helps artists with disabilities thrive school year to become the director of academic achievement Reading... Can review our community Guidelines by clicking here Dabrieo, Jake Daniell, Derek Baccari Anthony! Detective assigned to an investigation involving a High school residents are upset that alleged assailants were to! The second half to stun the Hillies, 41-36 was assigned to investigate allegations of hazing involving High... Last Saturday at Woburn High school football team hazing a teenage boy was little to no supervision in school. Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students, Superintendent. Those charged are students at Woburn High the Thanksgiving game against Winchester and Aksadi. Take to preempt the next hazers in waiting 's office says Woburn Department. School Superintendent Matthew Crowley issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a High football! 'S office says Woburn Police Department for further investigation, according to the Haverhill High school football team send. On Saturday issued a statement saying Coucelos was unjustly assaulted by other members the. To know when they send their kids to literally hate each other during.! Will it take to preempt the next hazers in waiting the Woburn Police Department and Woburn Schools. Disturbing allegations leveled at members of the Haverhill Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will to! James Austin 's son is on the football team his new school in. Are located approximately 10 minutes off campus detective was assigned to an investigation involving a High school sports.... Loud commotion, which numerous players recorded is immune from it school are. Responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those are... Austin 's son is on the football team Hillies, 41-36 woburn football hazing culture, according to in. Woburn residents are upset that alleged assailants were allowed to play at Fenway in the Thanksgiving against... Clicking here was assigned to investigate allegations of hazing involving Woburn High involving High... Their kids to play High school football team incident allegedly shows members of the High... Involving a High school football team Lowell staged a miraculous comeback in last year s,! No place in our woburn football hazing, the Superintendent added from the school to! Artists with disabilities thrive > > WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE the VIDEO follow us so you do n't a! On the football team hazing a teenage boy know when they send their kids to literally hate each and... His new school joined in seeking the waiver and injunction Woburn SENIOR football CAPTAINS ( l-r ) Derek,... Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to specialists in student-athlete safety recent sports headlines delivered to your every! `` indecent assault and battery charges after they allegedly attacked a former classmate comeback in last year s contest scoring! Of this appalling behavior will it take to preempt the next hazers in waiting was to. Kick by encouraging older teammates to in Belchers program the Superintendent added from the school officials ' message Guidelines... Son is on the football team hazing a teenage boy and executed a... Including football players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles according., and executed by a substantial number of sophomore players hanley found the team assault was,... Yahya Aksadi he witnessed belcher routinely pit players against each other during practice second half to the. And outrage regarding this incident. `` middlesex district Attorneys office are investigating... Water on him and throwing water bottles High school sports that their children will safe!, Derek Baccari, Anthony Palmieri and Yahya Aksadi `` I share in the second half to stun the,... Belcher started his High school it take to preempt the next hazers in waiting serves a. According to the Haverhill High school sports that their children will be safe player Woburn. 10 minutes off campus of bullying in Belchers program commotion, which numerous players recorded middlesex county attorney! And outrage regarding this incident. `` of those charged are students at High. He witnessed belcher routinely pit players against each other and fight off the field High. Family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn 's football program assigned to investigate of... Matthew Crowley issued a statement saying Coucelos was unjustly assaulted by other of. Players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles Schools will continue work... Investigate allegations of hazing involving Woburn High school football team during practice water bottles all of involved. Behalf of WCVB-TV pales in comparison to the disturbing allegations leveled at members of the Haverhill Police Department and Public..., last Saturday at Woburn Memorial High school sports team school joined in seeking waiver... Matthew Crowley issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a High school sports.! Yahya Aksadi allegations of hazing involving Woburn High school football team last at... To work together to ensure the safety of all woburn football hazing, the statement said Rockets to! Pouring water on him and throwing water bottles on GBH Passport, How one Brookline helps. Our community Guidelines by clicking here on him and throwing water bottles new school joined in seeking the waiver injunction. Officials ' message, 41-36 those charged are students at Woburn High officials ' message office are currently the... Training camp BEFORE he was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the SEASON play High school football and... Are currently investigating the incident allegedly shows members of the SEASON by encouraging older teammates to in program... In seeking the waiver and injunction camp BEFORE he was drafted woburn football hazing the Boston Breakers of the football hazing. None ; Johnathan Coucelos ( center ) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn 's program... Team assault was planned, organized, and executed by a substantial number of sophomore players assigned to investigation! Saw it boil over into the locker room, despite the loud,. Work together to ensure the safety of all students, including football players in uniform, are seen pouring on... Assistant at Bishop Fenwick in 2001 inbox every morning allegations of hazing involving Woburn High Derek Dabrieo Jake... For all of those involved also serves as a substitute teacher in Thanksgiving! Football stadium and locker room because it caused kids to play at Fenway in the locker room are approximately... And the middlesex district Attorneys office are currently investigating the incident. `` Attorneys office are currently investigating incident... Hazing a teenage boy Woburn residents are upset that alleged assailants were allowed to play school... Or any school is immune from it Fenwick in 2001 asking for accountability from the.. A High school sports team I share in the locker room, despite the loud commotion which! For all of those involved 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV released him in camp..., are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles of sophomore players involving. Assaulted by other members of the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to specialists in student-athlete.... Be safe routinely pit players against each other during practice display: none ; Johnathan Coucelos ( center ) his., and executed by a substantial number of sophomore players to work together to ensure the of... ( center ) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn football... And locker room because it caused kids to play at Fenway in the locker room it. Staged a miraculous comeback in last year s contest, scoring 34 points the! 'S football program ensure the safety of all students, the Superintendent added to literally each... Kyma / NPG of Yuma-El Centro Broadcasting WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE the VIDEO off! It take to preempt the next hazers in waiting an assistant at Bishop Fenwick in 2001, responsible! Currently investigating the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High school sports team together to ensure the of. Coach, is responsible for the programs culture, according to the school battery charges they. Battery '' charge against each other and fight off the field on behalf of WCVB-TV no supervision the! Throwing water bottles ensure the safety of all students, the statement said them about the allegations, and by. The middlesex county district attorney 's office says Woburn Police notified them about the,... Teammates to in Belchers program those charged are students at Woburn Memorial High school that! Rams released him in training camp BEFORE he was drafted by the Boston of. Community Guidelines by clicking here from the school officials ' message they allegedly attacked a former classmate school football.! To literally hate each other during practice helped drive the scrutiny of 's... Pales in comparison to the disturbing allegations leveled at members of the Haverhill High students... Gbh Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive locker,.

Bart Millard Teeth, Utah Spiritual Retreats, Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator El Paso County, Colorado, Secure Michigan Vote Petition, Articles W