display: none; Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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 Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students. Now, five years into Belchers coaching career at Woburn, the culture of his program and the school districts supervision of the former Boston College football standout are under scrutiny. Following reports of the misconduct, Attorney General Maura Healey convened a conference of policymakers to address the abuses. 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. Callanan is leaving after the school year to become the director of academic achievement at Reading Memorial High School. Hahn said a hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Lowell Juvenile Court was moved to March. 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. juvenile justice system handle the Woburn bullying case? Woburn High made no substantive efforts to curtail the bullying, they stated. The Couceles family reported the assault to police in October. Some Woburn residents are upset that alleged assailants were allowed to play at Fenway in the Thanksgiving game against Winchester. Woburn, MA Police are pursuing criminal charges against seven students at Woburn Memorial High School after a freshman football player, 14-year-old Johnathan "The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students. 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. Andrews is gone. 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). Join us. Police are investigating and members of the teams coaching staff have been placed on administrative leave. The freshman football player is seen pulling up his pants in the video. Coucelos reported the violent incidents to coaches and the police who did not take enough action. 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 remaining coaches reported hearing nothing unusual from their offices near the locker room, despite the loud commotion, which numerous players recorded. "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.". Belcher told Hanley he had left the building before the incident. 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 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. READINGS MATT BLASI (83) reaches to make a catch before Woburns Travis Kanoni (4) can move in. Woburn school officials were aware of alleged bullying in the high school football program for several years before 14-year-old freshman Johnathan Coucelos was attacked by a swarm of teammates in the locker room last fall, according to court records and interviews with former players and parents. It was dirty. But that disappointment pales in comparison to the disturbing allegations leveled at members of the Haverhill High School football team. One tradition put on hold, while another continues, exposing vulnerable youngsters to physical and emotional harm. It was disgusting. #ada-button-frame { Its hard on all of us.. 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. Several media outlets have reported on a video, posted to Boston 25, allegedly showing members of the football team hazing a teenage boy. The moments before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around. 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 Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. "They haven't given my son or even us any support whatsoever," Kevin Coucelos said. The committee will likely go into an executive session in order to determine the next steps that should be taken in the hazing investigation. It's not good for our school. 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. 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 He played two seasons for the Breakers after they moved to New Orleans and Portland. 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. 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. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. James Austin's son is on the football team. Warren said a formal announcement is forthcoming. PARENTS ARE NOW REVISITING BASIC RIGHTS AND WRONGSAT HOME. "We need to determine how this happened and what we can do so that this never happens again," Fiorentini said. 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.. The MIAA rejected the request, saying it does not investigate internal complaints involving member schools. 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 Moving forward, he said all of the districts coaches will be required to undertake extensive supplemental training. 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. "I share in the collective shock and outrage regarding this incident.". 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 did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. It's really not a bad school. "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. 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. "He just wants to be by himself all the time. And in Woburn, police are "investigating whether a juvenile was hazed and sexually assaulted at the school in an incident involving the football team." He added, "I used to wake up and go out with half of my friends and now I'm just locked up in my room and finally going into a different school. It's really not a bad school.". It doesn't feel the same anymore to be out in public," he said. 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. THE STUDENTS INVOLVED HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED. It's not good. We couldn't do it without you. A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. One football player was accused of indecent assault for allegedly yanking down Johnathans pants and touching his genitals in the locker room episode. WE HAVE BLURRED THE LEWD AND VIOLENT SCENEAT LEAST ONE PERSON -- SCENE. 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. REPORTER: THE FOOTBALL STADIUM AND LOCKER ROOM IS 10 MINUTES OFF-CAMPUS. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. The court is expected to decide in early March whether charges are warranted. 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. Coucelos, fearing for his safety, has transferred to Cambridge Matignon School. It's been a turbulent few years for the Woburn football program. It goes on to show a fourth teen in underwear squatting into the victims face, while other boys screamed and cheered, according to reports. When I first saw it, I thought it was just a form of competition, he said. Former Woburn High School football player Johnathan Coucelos said he was assaulted and bullied by teammates in the locker room, ", 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. }Customer Service. Hes suffering, and were trying to bring him back to normal, but its going to be very hard, said Kevin Coucelos, who with his wife, Jeanny, has four school-aged children. 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. One has an additional "indecent assault and battery" charge. I feel like parents need to be more involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are. HOME3-3 AWAY4-0 NEUTRAL0-1. NEW! 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. "We need to determine how this happened and what we can do so that this never happens again," Fiorentini said. While arraignments have begun in Lowell Juvenile Court for seven Woburn students, including five football players, charged with assaulting Coucelos, his parents say the report underscores that Woburn school officials head football coach Jack Belcher, athletic director Jim Duran, and principal Jessica Callanan, among them failed to adequately protect their son. It's a sad situation and hopefully they figure out what happened and it doesn't happen again. 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. "Very heartbroken.. Morning Weather Three years later, he became the head coach at Bedford High School. LEAGUE 4-1 2nd Middlesex - Liberty. And this has very negatively impacted both Jonathan and his parents, the whole family.. 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. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. Whats more, the boy and his parents allege, school authorities failed to correct the abusive nature of Belchers coaching after they reported the incident. With Haverhill forfeiting the contest, Lowell will finish the season with a 4-7 record. Peter Hahn, the attorney representing the Couceles family, said five high school students are facing charges for assault and battery for the September incident. No one was against it, Hanley described the player as saying. Couceles said his wife decided to pull their son out of the Woburn school for his safety in December. Student leaders of the Woburn team took a stand in recent days supporting Belcher. Something needs to be said, something to be done. Nelson also determined the groping did not meet the narrow definitions of sexual misconduct under the Title IX law. With your support, GBH will continue to innovate, inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets todays moments. "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. In Danvers, a member of the boys hockey program publicly accused teammates of using racial slurs and engaging in homophobic hazing with a sex toy during the 2019-2020 season. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. Crowley said they have reached out to the Couceles family. "We are committed to a thorough, multifaceted fact finding operation, and we pledge to be forthcoming regarding the results of those investigations and to enact their findings and recommendations., "As these investigations remain active and ongoing, we will continue to allow that process to unfold," he added. And at some point, he had to leave the school for his safety. 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 KYMA KECY is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. 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. racial slurs and engaging in homophobic hazing, Danvers High wrestling program was suspended. 7 students face charges in alleged Woburn HS hazing attack April 14, 2022, 10:11 PM Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old The Woburn Police Department received a complaint Wednesday involving members of a Woburn High School sports team regarding an incident earlier in the "I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation. 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 Rams released him in training camp before he was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the fledgling United States Football League. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants ", "The boys involved in this disgusting incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team," the mayor said in his statement. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. 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. Wilson said he wasnt surprised by news of bullying in Belchers program. "Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. 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 Woburn police and the Middlesex District Attorneys office are now investigating. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office also said they were notified about the allegations by police and are participating in the investigation. 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. He allegedly was punched and struck with water bottles, as well as being indecently assaulted. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Crowley did not provide details of the 2019 allegation. mm 34 32 Ruben high school football team on the gridiron in a friday night matchup against Melrose. Several students, including football players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles. ""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. It hurts him to this day. I JUST THINK ITS AWFUL. It gets me emotional every time I have to talk about this.". I FEEL BAD. He is a good person that cares tremendously for us.. 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. I don't think any town or any school is immune from it. Coaches are, by policy, considered responsible for safeguarding student-athletes against any form of abuse. All rights reserved (About Us). 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 Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment or retaliation in any form," the message reads. 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. Severe Weather Alerts The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Detective assigned to investigate allegations of hazing involving Woburn High School sports team. I want to cry every time I see that. 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. Breaking News Four days later, they stated, Callanan told them she had addressed the issue, without explaining how. 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.. But conflicting witness statements prevented Nelson from establishing who groped Coucelos, he stated. March 1, 2022 Greater Boston. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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 There was little to no supervision in the locker room, he 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. 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