Detective assigned to investigate allegations of hazing involving Woburn High School sports team. Belcher started his high school coaching career as an assistant at Bishop Fenwick in 2001. Woburn High made no substantive efforts to curtail the bullying, they stated. That week, the Woburn Police Department and Middlesex District Attorney announced they were investigating the incident. Hahn said a hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Lowell Juvenile Court was moved to March. James Austin's son is on the football team. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. I'm Peter Iliopoulos, WCVB News Center five, Okay. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. But former players and parents allege bullying became routine under Belcher, who has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. REPORTER: THEY ARE KICKING OFF THAT PROGRAM DECEMBER 8, EVOLVING -- INVOLVING THE MASS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS AND SOCIETY GROUP. 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. He says there needs to be more accountability. He was attacked in his Spanish class. He said one punched him several times in a school bathroom, and the other entered his Spanish classroom, grabbed him by the shirt, and warned him not to snitch. "Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. His parents made that decision to withdraw him from the school because it was no longer safe for him to be there. THE FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF IS ON PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE. Now there was a heavy police presence here at the game, but no issues here tonight. The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students, the statement said. 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. Three years later, he became the head coach at Bedford High 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 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The player alleges Woburn head coach Jack Belcher instigated the kick by encouraging older teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones. #ada-button-frame { Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. (WHDH) - Seven Woburn High School students are facing assault and battery charges after they allegedly attacked a former classmate. 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. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. 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. Woburn police and the Middlesex District Attorneys office are now investigating. 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. 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. "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. "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. For people with disabilities needing assistance with the Public Files, contact Glenn Heath at 617-300-3268. >> WANT TO GET STUDENTS -- STUDENT ATHLETES AND ADULT LEADERS IN A ROOM AND START TALKING ABOUT HOW TO BEAT HUMAN BEINGS. ""The boys involved in this disgusting incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team," the mayor said in his statement. racial slurs and engaging in homophobic hazing, Danvers High wrestling program was suspended. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office also said they were notified about the allegations by police and are participating in the investigation. While charges are pending for some students, Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be held accountable, too. I don't think any town or any school is immune from it. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com. Woburn Memorial Football. The federal Title IX law protects students against many forms of discrimination and violence, including bullying and hazing. Jessica Callanan, principal of Woburn Memorial High School said in a statement to Greater Boston, "the Coucelos familys complaint is and should be taken seriously. Attempts to reach Belcher, Duran, and Andrews were unsuccessful. NEW! Coaches are, by policy, considered responsible for safeguarding student-athletes against any form of abuse. Moving forward, he said all of the districts coaches will be required to undertake extensive supplemental training. REPORTER: THE FOOTBALL STADIUM AND LOCKER ROOM IS 10 MINUTES OFF-CAMPUS. 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. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants 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. Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. 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 Lowell staged a miraculous comeback in last year s contest, scoring 34 points in the second half to stun the Hillies, 41-36. 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. I wasnt there to protect my son," Couceles shared. To my knowledge, there have been no other bullying allegations made to the administration regarding this individual.. James Austin's son is on the football team. Several students, including football players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles. AT LEAST ONE PERSON IS WEARING A HAVERHIL FOOTBALL SHIRT. 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. Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved., Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said in a statement shared on Facebook Wednesday night that he was alarmed, concerned, and frankly disgusted by the video and that this can never be allowed to occur again., He said the boys involved in the incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team., I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation, he said in the statement. It did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. A Woburn family is seeking charges against teenagers accused of assaulting their son in a high school locker room last fall. He allegedly was punched and struck with water bottles, as well as being indecently assaulted. Two more students face charges for subsequent harassment in the weeks after the assault in the locker room. "The Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating the incident. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. >> I DONT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH KIDS TODAY. We hadnt been winning a lot of games and I thought he might turn things around.. He is a good person that cares tremendously for us.. #ada-button-frame { Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment, or retaliation in any form, the school district said in the statement. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office has said they have been notified of the incident by woburn police. All of those charged are students at Woburn Memorial High School. 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 The Middlesex County District Attorney's office says Woburn police notified them about the allegations and are investigating. Four days later, they stated, Callanan told them she had addressed the issue, without explaining how. ", Watch: Woburn High School accused of ignoring allegations of bullying. Former Woburn High School football player Johnathan Coucelos said he was assaulted and bullied by teammates in the locker room, REPORTER: THE MAYOR SAYS I SUPPORT HIRING AN OUTSIDE FIRM TO -- TO CONDUCT THE INVESTIGATION. WOBURN SENIOR FOOTBALL CAPTAINS (l-r) Derek Dabrieo, Jake Daniell, Derek Baccari, Anthony Palmieri and Yahya Aksadi. >> WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE VIDEO? Terms of Use | Privacy Policy |Community Guidelines | FCC Applications | Jobs/Internships |, Daily News Updates 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 "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. After months of waiting, the case is expected to be heard in juvenile court next month. The Woburn High School football team was on the field Friday night against Melrose High School but off the field, an investigation is underway. Support GBH. 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. HOME3-3 AWAY4-0 NEUTRAL0-1. "It's just so wrong how they're handling it. It's really not a bad school.". "It was pretty nasty, making us look bad. I FEEL BAD. 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. 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. Lowell Highs annual Thanksgiving Day football game against Haverhill has been canceled due to an alleged hazing incident involving Haverhill players that was "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. Get all the latest from Sanditon on GBH Passport, How one Brookline studio helps artists with disabilities thrive. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. THE MAYOR GOES ON TO SAY IM CONCERNED THIS HAPPENED, AND CONCERNED BY REPORTS THAT OTHER STUDENTS STOOD BY AND DID NOT INTERVENE. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports 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. Morning Weather The committee will likely go into an executive session in order to determine the next steps that should be taken in the hazing investigation. I feel like parents need to be more involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are. A Woburn police detective has been assigned to the case. 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. The Rams released him in training camp before he was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the fledgling United States Football League. Seven teenagers are facing criminal charges in 2023 by KYMA / NPG of Yuma-El Centro Broadcasting. The Rockets improved to 2-0 by dominating Woburn, 35-7, last Saturday at Woburn High. But, the former student said, he soon became disturbed by Belchers coaching methods, which he described as abusive. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus. The county district attorney has indicated it will join local police in the investigation. The moments before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. Crowley said they have reached out to the Couceles family. How many examples of this appalling behavior will it take to preempt the next hazers in waiting? 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. 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. In 1983, Belcher was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the ninth round of the NFL Draft. And at some point, he had to leave the school for his safety. It's a sad situation and hopefully they figure out what happened and it doesn't happen again. Video shows alleged hazing incident that ended Haverhill football team's season, THE UNIVERSITY -- THE VIDEO YOU WILL SEE IS HIGHLY DISTURBING. Johnathan Coucelos, with his family: from left, mother, Jeanny, brother Jaxon, Johnathan, sister, Karmen, brother Jacob, and father, Kevin. When I first saw it, I thought it was just a form of competition, he said. 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. No longer safe for him to be heard in juvenile Court next month after they allegedly attacked a classmate. Belcher, Duran, and Andrews were unsuccessful he said all of the fledgling United States League. You will SEE is HIGHLY DISTURBING Rams in the locker room KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED before the VIDEO you SEE! 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