}Customer Service. Unfortunately, Lowells seniors wont be able to experience that joy of victory or agony of defeat. Andrews is gone. 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 really not a bad school. 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. 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.. 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. The remaining coaches reported hearing nothing unusual from their offices near the locker room, despite the loud commotion, which numerous players recorded. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. It was disgusting. All rights reserved (About Us). There should be a lot more charges," he said. #ada-button-frame { "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved.". Several media outlets have reported on a video, posted to Boston 25, allegedly showing members of the football team hazing a teenage boy. 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. PF343 PA206 STREAK2W. A Woburn family is seeking charges against teenagers accused of assaulting their son in a high school locker room last fall. Wilson said he wasnt surprised by news of bullying in Belchers program. REPORTER: THE MAYOR SAYS I SUPPORT HIRING AN OUTSIDE FIRM TO -- TO CONDUCT THE INVESTIGATION. The Woburn High School football team was on the field Friday night against Melrose High School but off the field, an investigation is underway. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. Its hard on all of us.. Hahn said he provided notice to the city and school district about their intent to sue. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. 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. 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. "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. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. "The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. 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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. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. Now, police are filing criminal charges against seven students accused of the assault. "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.". I'm Peter Iliopoulos, WCVB News Center five, Okay. 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. It is my understanding that the allegation was made in 2019 and that the High School administration promptly investigated the allegation in accordance with our bullying prevention policy and procedure, and that it was not substantiated. He hasnt left his room, he has barely eaten," Couceles said of his son. 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. His parents made that decision to withdraw him from the school because it was no longer safe for him to be there. 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 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. He was attacked in the bathroom. Officials in Woburn said Saturday that authorities are 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. I JUST THINK ITS AWFUL. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. 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 latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. With your support, GBH will continue to innovate, inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets todays moments. Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old football player reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by his teammates. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Former Woburn High School football player Johnathan Coucelos said he was assaulted and bullied by teammates in the locker room, and the school did nothing to protect him. ""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. We couldn't do it without you. He says there needs to be more accountability. Severe Weather Alerts He also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. But former players and parents allege bullying became routine under Belcher, who has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. 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. READINGS MATT BLASI (83) reaches to make a catch before Woburns Travis Kanoni (4) can move in. It's not good for our school. 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. The Rockets improved to 2-0 by dominating Woburn, 35-7, last Saturday at Woburn High. Johnathan Coucelos (center) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn's football program. LEAGUE 4-1 2nd Middlesex - Liberty. 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. 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. The Couceles family reported the assault to police in October. Woburn police received a complaint on Oct. 13 regarding an incident earlier in the school year, the joint statement said. Bob Hohler can be reached at [email protected]. It was dirty. 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. 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. "Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe.". His complaint says Belcher witnessed the incident but reprimanded neither the assailant nor numerous players who taunted the alleged victim with vulgarities, insinuating he was soft.. All seven face single counts of assault and battery, while one also is charged with indecent assault and battery for allegedly grabbing Couceloss genitals. I told Belcher hes an adult bully and shouldnt be coaching anybodys kids, the parent said. >> I DONT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH KIDS TODAY. "He just wants to be by himself all the time. But, the former student said, he soon became disturbed by Belchers coaching methods, which he described as abusive. >> IT IS KIND OF DISTURBING AND NASTY. He said he witnessed Belcher routinely pit players against each other during practice. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. 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. 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. Seven Woburn students charged in alleged locker room assaults on former football player, Read the original report: After Woburn football player endures multiple alleged assaults, parents left outraged by official response. ", 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. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment, or retaliation in any form, the school district said in the statement. 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. 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. It gets me emotional every time I have to talk about this.". He instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for team members and respect for adults at all times. He played two seasons for the Breakers after they moved to New Orleans and Portland. Belcher told Hanley he had left the building before the incident. #ada-button-frame { In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. TONIGHT IS THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING HERE AT HAV. Join us. Marotta said the investigation is ongoing and significant material was uncovered Wednesday, impacting the direction of the investigation and the entire school community. Police Investigating Woburn High School Team Incident - Woburn, MA - Officials did not specify the team, but WCVB reported Friday that the football team was The middlesex county district attorney's office I think the parents need to take action. 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. While charges are pending for some students, Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be held accountable, too. An alleged hazing incident is under investigation at the high school in Woburn, Massachusetts. Due to the ages of those involved, no additional information is available at this time. The student who grabbed him in the classroom, he said, was a former Woburn football player. It goes on to show a fourth teen in underwear squatting into the victims face, while other boys screamed and cheered, according to reports. 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. 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). He is a good person that cares tremendously for us.. 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. Hire A Woburn Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning. Callanan is leaving after the school year to become the director of academic achievement at Reading Memorial High School. "I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full 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. 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. ", Watch: Woburn High School accused of ignoring allegations of bullying. Crowley said in his letter Tuesday that the district has cooperated fully with the law enforcement investigation. 2 Player of Year, Two men arrested on firearms, drug trafficking charges in Tewksbury, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds. One tradition put on hold, while another continues, exposing vulnerable youngsters to physical and emotional harm. 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. This is an active and ongoing investigation. 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 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. Crowley did not provide details of the 2019 allegation. The family is asking for accountability from the school. Two more students face charges for subsequent harassment in the weeks after the assault in the locker room. "It was gross. 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. Former Woburn High School football player Johnathan Coucelos said he was assaulted and bullied by teammates in the locker room, It's not good. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! 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. 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 hurts him to this day. 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? Your support, GBH will continue to innovate, inspire and connect through reporting you value that meets moments. 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