Hazing in sports has long served as sort of an initiation rite, juvenile for the most part, not demeaning and vicious in nature. ", The teen was joined by his parents Kevin and Jeanny and his lawyer Peter Hahn, who said the school failed Coucelos. And this has very negatively impacted both Jonathan and his parents, the whole family.. BOSTON, Ma. 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. The Globe does not identify victims of alleged sexual assaults unless they give their consent. "Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe. But conflicting witness statements prevented Nelson from establishing who groped Coucelos, he stated. Whats more, the boy and his parents allege, school authorities failed to correct the abusive nature of Belchers coaching after they reported the incident. Coucelos, fearing for his safety, has transferred to Cambridge Matignon School. What happened to that boy in the locker room was heinous, said Lee Wilson, whose son Logan played for Belcher and graduated in 2020. Its also heinous that Belcher kept those kids on the team.. "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved. 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 Rockets improved to 2-0 by dominating Woburn, 35-7, last Saturday at Woburn High. "I urge patience as we are all eager to view the results, myself included.". Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. Today and every day, I urge every member of our community to be kind to one another and do everything in their power to be part of making our community kinder and stronger. The 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. 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 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. It's really not a bad school. I think the parents need to take action. "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. He hasnt left his room, he has barely eaten," Couceles said of his son. It was disgusting. It hurts him to this day. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He says there needs to be more accountability. The federal Title IX law protects students against many forms of discrimination and violence, including bullying and hazing. }Customer Service. In response, Woburn school superintendent Matt Crowley issued a statement that said, I was informed by the High School administration that there was one allegation of bullying made against Coach Jack Belcher. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team.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. It's really not a bad school.". 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. One football player was accused of indecent assault for allegedly yanking down Johnathans pants and touching his genitals in the locker room episode. Moving forward, he said all of the districts coaches will be required to undertake extensive supplemental training. With Haverhill forfeiting the contest, Lowell will finish the season with a 4-7 record. March 1, 2022 Greater Boston. THE MASSACHUSETTS INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CREATING A PROGRAM WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE TO STOP HAZING AND TO REMIND STUDENTS PLAYING SPORTS IS A PRIVILEGE. And in Woburn, police are "investigating whether a juvenile was hazed and sexually assaulted at the school in an incident involving the football team." PF343 PA206 STREAK2W. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. 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.. The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. He should have been fired., The Globe asked Belcher and other school officials to comment. It's a sad situation and hopefully they figure out what happened and it doesn't happen again. 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. "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved.". Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. There was little to no supervision in the locker room, he said. This week, the Danvers High wrestling program was suspended after an investigation into a fight that allegedly occurred over a racial slur led to the discovery of a team Snapchat group that included racist and biased language. 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. The middlesex county district attorney's office says woburn police notified them about the allegations, and are investigating. 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. 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 was dirty. Something needs to be said, something to be done. #ada-button-frame { 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. Belcher, as the head coach, is responsible for the programs culture, according to specialists in student-athlete safety. Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. I want to cry every time I see that. Many Woburn residents have expressed anger that Belcher permitted three of the alleged assailants, including the player facing a possible indecent assault charge, to remain on the football team through a prestigious Thanksgiving week game at Fenway Park. 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. The Woburn Police Department received a complaint Wednesday involving members of a Woburn High School sports team regarding an incident earlier in the Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. "I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation. ""A freshman getting dragged down on the floor, them pulling down his pants and pulling down the other dude's pants and humping him in the face. PARENTS ARE NOW REVISITING BASIC RIGHTS AND WRONGSAT HOME. THIS IS VIDEO OF THE ALLEGED HAZING INCIDENT IN THE FOOTBALL LOCKROOM. The Coucelos family accused school officials of putting the football teams interests ahead of student safety with their disciplinary measures. 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. I wasnt there to protect my son," Couceles shared. "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. 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. 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. It did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! Johnathan Coucelos (center) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn's football program. 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. When I first saw it, I thought it was just a form of competition, he said. 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. THE FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF IS ON PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE. 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 Three years later, he became the head coach at Bedford High School. "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. Warren said a formal announcement is forthcoming. ", "The boys involved in this disgusting incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team," the mayor said in his statement. The family is asking for accountability from the school. The report said the freshman was then harassed for months both physically and through text messages, leading to him dropping out of school out of fear for his own safety. "The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students. The moments before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around. 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. 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. Two players were suspended from school for two weeks over the incident, but while one quit the team, the other continued playing football during his suspension, the family said. Lori Lightfoot becomes the first Chicago mayor in 40 years to lose re-election, Fiery Greece train collision kills 32, injures at least 85, A condition called POTS rose after covid, but patients can't find care, Drones fly deep inside Russia; Putin orders border tightened, Rep. Lauren Boebert Gets Absolutely Schooled By Jamie Raskin Using Trump's Own Words, SoCal storm timeline: More snow, heavier rain expected Wednesday, The Killer New Volvos Will Leave You Breathless, See how your Pennsylvania county ranks on voter friendliness with this interactive scorecard, SpaceX launches second-generation Starlink internet satellites. His parents made that decision to withdraw him from the school because it was no longer safe for him to be there. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. Belcher started his high school coaching career as an assistant at Bishop Fenwick in 2001. 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. One tradition put on hold, while another continues, exposing vulnerable youngsters to physical and emotional harm. Its hard on all of us.. It gets me emotional every time I have to talk about this.". Woburn officials issue statement about investigation involving football team. Bullying and hazing happen when you pit players against each other like he does, Wilson said. 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. 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. On Sept. 25, 2018, three years to the day Sources tell Officials in Woburn said Saturday that authorities are 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. 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 video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. 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. 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 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. 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. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. We couldn't do it without you. Coaches are, by policy, considered responsible for safeguarding student-athletes against any form of abuse. The Woburn hazing accusations are the latest in a series of troubling charges of inappropriate behavior within high school athletic programs in Greater Boston. "Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment or retaliation in any form," the message reads. Several media outlets have reported on a video, posted to Boston 25, allegedly showing members of the football team hazing a teenage boy. He was attacked in his Spanish class. It took a big toll on him, very big toll.. 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. Now there was a heavy police presence here at the game, but no issues here tonight. Andrews is gone. Editorial: Put sports hazing out of its misery, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Editorial: Sports betting rollout still ironing out kinks, Editorial: Give localities control over age to vote, Editorial: DNA sleuth tracks down suspects, kin, Seeing orbs in photos? And at some point, he had to leave the school for his safety. I told Belcher hes an adult bully and shouldnt be coaching anybodys kids, the parent said. Wilson said he wasnt surprised by news of bullying in Belchers program. It's not good. The MIAA rejected the request, saying it does not investigate internal complaints involving member schools. 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. 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. 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. Seven Massachusetts students charged in connection with alleged assaults on high school football teammate. 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. Officials said in Saturday's statement that the incident involved a sports team and an alleged incident that occurred "earlier in the school year.". Eaten, '' the message reads Couceles shared officials ' message safety with disciplinary. Bully and shouldnt be coaching anybodys kids, the Globe asked Belcher and other school officials comment. 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