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. The moments before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around. 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. "Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. He instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for team members and respect for adults at all times. 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. Police are investigating and members of the teams coaching staff have been placed on administrative leave. 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. Instead, Belcher instructed the traumatized player to return to the field for 35 more minutes of contact drills, his complaint states. I JUST THINK ITS AWFUL. The Coucelos family accused school officials of putting the football teams interests ahead of student safety with their disciplinary measures. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. 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. Detective assigned to investigate allegations of hazing involving Woburn High School sports team. The Globe does not identify victims of alleged sexual assaults unless they give their consent. 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. 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. 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. After News Of Anti-Semitism On Duxburys Football Team, Where Does The Town Go From Here? LEAGUE 4-1 2nd Middlesex - Liberty. It was dirty. Crowley did not provide details of the 2019 allegation. A hazing investigation at Woburn Memorial High School has led to charges against seven high school students. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. I wasnt there to protect my son," Couceles shared. Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com. 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. 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.. Lowell Highs annual Thanksgiving Day football game against Haverhill has been canceled due to an alleged hazing incident involving Haverhill players that was caught on video. 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. 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. But that disappointment pales in comparison to the disturbing allegations leveled at members of the Haverhill High School football team. Student leaders of the Woburn team took a stand in recent days supporting Belcher. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV. "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.". For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. The middlesex county district attorney's office says woburn police notified them about the allegations, and are investigating. We hadnt been winning a lot of games and I thought he might turn things around.. "Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment or retaliation in any form," the message reads. Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. "They haven't given my son or even us any support whatsoever," Kevin Coucelos said. "The Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating the incident. In 1983, Belcher was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the ninth round of the NFL Draft. 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. racial slurs and engaging in homophobic hazing, Danvers High wrestling program was suspended. Hahn said he provided notice to the city and school district about their intent to sue. The remaining coaches reported hearing nothing unusual from their offices near the locker room, despite the loud commotion, which numerous players recorded. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. There was little to no supervision in the locker room, he said. 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. A Woburn police detective has been assigned to the case. ", The teen was joined by his parents Kevin and Jeanny and his lawyer Peter Hahn, who said the school failed Coucelos. WE HAVE BLURRED THE LEWD AND VIOLENT SCENEAT LEAST ONE PERSON -- SCENE. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. 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 parent who asked not to be identified said her son, who graduated in 2021, was bullied on the practice field, in the locker room, and elsewhere in the school by his football teammates. This content is imported from Facebook. "I share in the collective shock and outrage regarding this incident.". Two other Woburn students allegedly accosted Coucelos later, he said. Two more students face charges for subsequent harassment in the weeks after the assault in the locker room. The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus. We're live in Woburn. 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. 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. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. Breaking News YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. OVERALL 7-4 0.64 Win %. >> I DONT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH KIDS TODAY. 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. I don't think any town or any school is immune from it. "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. 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. "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. 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. He says there needs to be more accountability. 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. "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. The Woburn High School football team was on the field Friday night against Melrose High School but off the field, an investigation is underway. It's not good for our school. 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. It was very nasty," said student Felix Molina. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. 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. He says there needs to be more accountability. Woburn officials issue statement about investigation involving football team. 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. The player alleges Woburn head coach Jack Belcher instigated the kick by encouraging older teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones. 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. He was harassed by a number of different students, said Hahn. KYMA/CBS 13/KECY is an equal opportunity employer. There should be a lot more charges," he said. He also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. Woburn police and the Middlesex District Attorneys office are now investigating. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. The freshman football player is seen pulling up his pants in the video. 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. I want to cry every time I see that. Support GBH. }Customer Service. It's not good for our school. Seven teenagers are facing criminal charges in With your support, GBH will continue to innovate, inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets todays moments. "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved. Head football coach Jack Belcher has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. Following reports of the misconduct, Attorney General Maura Healey convened a conference of policymakers to address the abuses. 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. One has an additional "indecent assault and battery" charge. Coucelos, fearing for his safety, has transferred to Cambridge Matignon School. 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.. While the coach generally treated his son relatively well because he was one of the teams better players Logan is now a quarterback at Fitchburg State University Wilson said he was aware of Belchers practice of pitting older, stronger players against other teammates. CNN A high school near Pennsylvanias capital has canceled its upcoming football season over reports of hazing by members of the schools football 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. Warren said a formal announcement is forthcoming. His parents made that decision to withdraw him from the school because it was no longer safe for him to be there. 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. Due to the ages of those involved, no additional information is available at this time. It's not good. Something needs to be said, something to be done. ", 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. Now there was a heavy police presence here at the game, but no issues here tonight. Hanley presented his investigative findings to Carl Nelson, a Woburn middle school principal designated as the decision maker for a federally mandated Title IX review of Couceloss sexual misconduct complaint. 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. Incidents like these have no place in our community, the superintendent added. But former players and parents allege bullying became routine under Belcher, who has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. But, the former student said, he soon became disturbed by Belchers coaching methods, which he described as abusive. A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. Hire A Woburn Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning. We are strictly responding to how the integrity of the team, the leadership of the athletic department and football program is unfairly under attack in the community., They stated, Head Coach Jack Belcher has always given us nothing short of his undivided attention and passion for his job as our coach and leader. "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. (WHDH) - Seven Woburn High School students are facing assault and battery charges after they allegedly attacked a former classmate. Parents of the boy who allegedly was kicked in 2018 also faulted the school administration. Wilson said he wasnt surprised by news of bullying in Belchers program. A hearing is scheduled before the Supreme Judicial Court in April on the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Associations appeal of a lower court injunction that permitted the former Woburn player to compete this year for another MIAA schools football and basketball teams after the MIAA denied his waiver request for a fifth year of eligibility. "I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation. Bullying and hazing happen when you pit players against each other like he does, Wilson said. PF343 PA206 STREAK2W. 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. He played two seasons for the Breakers after they moved to New Orleans and Portland. Belcher, as the head coach, is responsible for the programs culture, according to specialists in student-athlete safety. The middlesex county district attorney's office 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. Johnathan Coucelos (center) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn's football program. I saw, '' said student Felix Molina city and school district about intent! Seen pulling up his pants in the weeks after the assault in the because... 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