Woburn officials issue statement about investigation involving football team. He says there needs to be more accountability. A Woburn family is seeking charges against teenagers accused of assaulting their son in a high school locker room last fall. Woburn High made no substantive efforts to curtail the bullying, they stated. The family is asking for accountability from the school. 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 Several students, including football players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles. WE HAVE BLURRED THE LEWD AND VIOLENT SCENEAT LEAST ONE PERSON -- SCENE. It's a shame. And this has very negatively impacted both Jonathan and his parents, the whole family.. 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. Video shows alleged hazing incident that ended Haverhill football team's season, THE UNIVERSITY -- THE VIDEO YOU WILL SEE IS HIGHLY DISTURBING. 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. 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.. Belcher told Hanley he had left the building before the incident. Severe Weather Alerts 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. He was called a snitch. 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. It's not good. The county district attorney has indicated it will join local police in the investigation. Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. Couceles said his wife decided to pull their son out of the Woburn school for his safety in December. 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. The Woburn hazing accusations are the latest in a series of troubling charges of inappropriate behavior within high school athletic programs in Greater Boston. Crowley said in his letter Tuesday that the district has cooperated fully with the law enforcement investigation. }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. Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old football player reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by his teammates. }Customer Service. ", "The boys involved in this disgusting incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team," the mayor said in his statement. ""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. Several media outlets have reported on a video, posted to Boston 25, allegedly showing members of the football team hazing a teenage boy. Asked to cite an inaccuracy, Callanan did not respond. It hurts him to this day. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. Seven teenagers are facing criminal charges in 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. racial slurs and engaging in homophobic hazing, Danvers High wrestling program was suspended. 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. 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. Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said Thursday that he supported hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation. Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com. I told Belcher hes an adult bully and shouldnt be coaching anybodys kids, the parent said. The video appears to show three boys one of them wearing a Haverhill football shirt dragging another teen across the floor of a locker room. "It's just so wrong how they're handling it. 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. Its hard to watch but Kevin Couceles says cellphone video shared on social media shows his son being assaulted in the locker room of Woburn Memorial High School after a football game last September. 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. 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. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. 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. 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. 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.. It goes on to show a fourth teen in underwear squatting into the victims face, while other boys screamed and cheered, according to reports. "I think the parents need to take action, I feel like parents need to be more involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are and just know their kids' temperament," Austin shared. "We need to determine how this happened and what we can do so that this never happens again," Fiorentini said. Incidents like these have no place in our community, the superintendent added. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. Wilson said he wasnt surprised by news of bullying in Belchers program. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office has said they have been notified of the incident by woburn police. 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. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Bullying claims date back years in Woburn High School football program By Bob Hohler Globe Staff,Updated February 26, 2022, In his letter, Crowley said the incident that occurred this past September involved student athletes and included allegations of physical and sexual abuse of a student by their teammates. "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. 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. It doesn't feel the same anymore to be out in public," he said. 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. 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. KYMA/CBS 13/KECY is an equal opportunity employer. Seven Massachusetts students charged in connection with alleged assaults on high school football teammate. It was very nasty," said student Felix Molina.The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus.Police are investigating and members of the teams coaching staff have been placed on administrative leave.Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said Thursday that he supported hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation. PARENTS ARE NOW REVISITING BASIC RIGHTS AND WRONGSAT HOME. 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. I want to cry every time I see that. 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. 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. Coaches are, by policy, considered responsible for safeguarding student-athletes against any form of abuse. He said he witnessed Belcher routinely pit players against each other during practice. 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. 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.. 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. "As these matters concern allegations involving minors, there was and remains much we cannot say publicly about this situation," Crowley said. Belcher started his high school coaching career as an assistant at Bishop Fenwick in 2001. Three years later, he became the head coach at Bedford High School. It was dirty. The Globe does not identify victims of alleged sexual assaults unless they give their consent. >> I DONT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH KIDS TODAY. It's really not a bad school. 2023 by KYMA / NPG of Yuma-El Centro Broadcasting. "He just wants to be by himself all the time. A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. "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. Callanan is leaving after the school year to become the director of academic achievement at Reading Memorial High School. 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 an independent investigators report obtained by the Globe. With Haverhill forfeiting the contest, Lowell will finish the season with a 4-7 record. Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. Its shocking that there still have been no repercussions for anyone in the athletic department, said Peter Hahn, the Coucelos familys attorney. "I urge patience as we are all eager to view the results, myself included.". It gets me emotional every time I have to talk about this.". "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. Contests & Promotions. 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 There is no indication in the report that the investigator, Patrick Hanley, a former state and county prosecutor, asked Belcher, Duran, or Callanan about the purported lack of training. Sources tell 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. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. They stated in their civil complaint that they reported the incident to the principal, Jessica Callanan, soon after it occurred. One has an additional "indecent assault and battery" charge. Due to the ages of those involved, no additional information is available at this time.". "They haven't given my son or even us any support whatsoever," Kevin Coucelos said. The Woburn Police Department received a complaint Wednesday involving members of a Woburn High School sports team regarding an incident earlier in the 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. Multiple investigations are being undertaken. THE FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF IS ON PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE. 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. 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. 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.. Student leaders of the Woburn team took a stand in recent days supporting Belcher. 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 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. 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. "The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. Whats more, the boy and his parents allege, school authorities failed to correct the abusive nature of Belchers coaching after they reported the incident. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. Belcher, as the head coach, is responsible for the programs culture, according to specialists in student-athlete safety. The Rams released him in training camp before he was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the fledgling United States Football League. "The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants 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. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. At BC, he was a 6-foot-4-inch, 270-pound football center and team cocaptain under coach Jack Bicknell, snapping the ball to quarterback Doug Flutie. I wasnt there to protect my son," Couceles shared. It was disgusting. This is an active and ongoing investigation. 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. Woburn likes to cover things up, said Kevin Coucelos, Johnathans father and a lifelong resident. 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. THE STUDENTS INVOLVED HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED. Seven teenagers are facing criminal charges in connection to a hazing investigation in Woburn, Massachusetts. Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment, or retaliation in any form, the school district said in the statement. Bullying and hazing happen when you pit players against each other like he does, Wilson said. Belcher also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. BOSTON, Ma. It was dirty. And in Woburn, police are "investigating whether a juvenile was hazed and sexually assaulted at the school in an incident involving the football team." "It was pretty nasty, making us look bad. REPORTER: THE FOOTBALL STADIUM AND LOCKER ROOM IS 10 MINUTES OFF-CAMPUS. 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. 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. 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.. The court is expected to decide in early March whether charges are warranted. A FOOTBALL PLAYER IS TRYING TO PULL OFF CLOTHING FROM ANOTHER YOUNG MAN AND LATER ENDS UP ON TOP OF THE ALLEGED HAZING VICTIM. All of those charged are students at Woburn Memorial High School. 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? Attempts to reach Belcher, Duran, and Andrews were unsuccessful. 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 hasnt left his room, he has barely eaten," Couceles said of his son. The player alleges Woburn head coach Jack Belcher instigated the kick by encouraging older teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones. 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. All seven face single counts of assault and battery, while one also is charged with indecent assault and battery for allegedly grabbing Couceloss genitals. Lowell staged a miraculous comeback in last year s contest, scoring 34 points in the second half to stun the Hillies, 41-36. They're spirits of loved ones, Bill needs a kidney: Tyngsboro man searches for lifesaving donor, Lowell Catholic boys basketball team blows out Belchertown, No end in sight for case involving Dracut doc charged with patient's death, Toddler safe, car theft suspects apprehended, MVC girls basketball: Dracut's Ashlee Talbot named Div. 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. 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. Peter Hahn, the attorney representing the Couceles family, said five high school students are facing charges for assault and battery for the September incident. Crowley said they have reached out to the Couceles family. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. #ada-button-frame { Warren said a formal announcement is forthcoming. There should be a lot more charges," he said. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Thats a perversion of sports culture, which instead of building character, produces cowardly thugs. 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. TONIGHT IS THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING HERE AT HAV. 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. 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. It did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. 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 latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. "It was gross. James Austin's son is on the football team. 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. But former players and parents allege bullying became routine under Belcher, who has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. "The school official, superintendent, the principal, vice principal, coaches they all should [face] consequences.. "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. Parents of the boy who allegedly was kicked in 2018 also faulted the school administration. He left his job as a paraprofessional at the Woburn school in April. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV. After months of waiting, the case is expected to be heard in juvenile court next month. Unfortunately, Lowells seniors wont be able to experience that joy of victory or agony of defeat. "Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe. Then I saw it boil over into the locker room because it caused kids to literally hate each other and fight off the field.. NEW! Now, police are filing criminal charges against seven students accused of the assault. That week, the Woburn Police Department and Middlesex District Attorney announced they were investigating the incident. After News Of Anti-Semitism On Duxburys Football Team, Where Does The Town Go From Here? Hahn said he provided notice to the city and school district about their intent to sue. But conflicting witness statements prevented Nelson from establishing who groped Coucelos, he stated. It's been a turbulent few years for the Woburn football program. 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 was very nasty," said student Felix Molina. I urge all people involved to cooperate completely with the investigators so that the best and most just outcome can be reached. >> WANT TO GET STUDENTS -- STUDENT ATHLETES AND ADULT LEADERS IN A ROOM AND START TALKING ABOUT HOW TO BEAT HUMAN BEINGS. No one ever came in and checked when things got loud or out of hand.. Andrews is gone.