"It was gross. Last spring, several schools across the state were faced with the emergence of hazing incidents on their athletic teams, some resulting in criminal charges against athletes and ties cut with coaches, athletic directors, and top administrators. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. 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. I JUST THINK ITS AWFUL. "It's just so wrong how they're handling it. 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. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. Three years later, he became the head coach at Bedford High School. It's not good. 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. It took a big toll on him, very big toll.. 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. Attempts to reach Belcher, Duran, and Andrews were unsuccessful. THIS IS VIDEO OF THE ALLEGED HAZING INCIDENT IN THE FOOTBALL LOCKROOM. Whats more, the family says, no school employee has publicly accepted responsibility for the trauma, while the students answer to criminal charges. But former players and parents allege bullying became routine under Belcher, who has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. 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. The Rams released him in training camp before he was drafted by the Boston Breakers of the fledgling United States Football League. 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 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. 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. But conflicting witness statements prevented Nelson from establishing who groped Coucelos, he stated. It was very nasty. REPORTER: THE FOOTBALL STADIUM AND LOCKER ROOM IS 10 MINUTES OFF-CAMPUS. "I urge patience as we are all eager to view the results, myself included.". Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com. It doesn't feel the same anymore to be out in public," he said. And in Woburn, police are "investigating whether a juvenile was hazed and sexually assaulted at the school in an incident involving the football team." All seven face single counts of assault and battery, while one also is charged with indecent assault and battery for allegedly grabbing Couceloss genitals. Several students, including football players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and throwing water bottles. 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 student who grabbed him in the classroom, he said, was a former Woburn football player. He says there needs to be more accountability. Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old football player reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by his teammates. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office has said they have been notified of the incident by woburn police. 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 middlesex county district attorney's office says woburn police notified them about the allegations, and are investigating. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Police seek charges against seven students after Woburn locker room incident, After Woburn football player endures multiple alleged assaults, parents left outraged by official response. 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. "I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation. Officials in Woburn said Saturday that authorities are The middlesex county district attorney's office Following reports of the misconduct, Attorney General Maura Healey convened a conference of policymakers to address the abuses. Woburn officials issue statement about investigation involving football team. The Couceles family reported the assault to police in October. It was very nasty. 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. Its shocking that there still have been no repercussions for anyone in the athletic department, said Peter Hahn, the Coucelos familys attorney. It was disgusting. 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. Belcher also serves as a substitute teacher in the school. 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. "The Woburn Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorneys Office are currently investigating the incident. "The school official, superintendent, the principal, vice principal, coaches they all should [face] consequences.. 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. A Woburn police detective has been assigned to the case. 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. Last September, Johnathan Coucelos had just finished dressing in the freshman locker room when he got jumped by about a dozen teammates, a video recording shows. It's not good for our school. 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. "We need to determine how this happened and what we can do so that this never happens again," Fiorentini 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. READINGS MATT BLASI (83) reaches to make a catch before Woburns Travis Kanoni (4) can move in. 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. 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.. Moving forward, he said all of the districts coaches will be required to undertake extensive supplemental training. But that disappointment pales in comparison to the disturbing allegations leveled at members of the Haverhill High School football team. Johnathan Coucelos, with his family: from left, mother, Jeanny, brother Jaxon, Johnathan, sister, Karmen, brother Jacob, and father, Kevin. Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said Thursday that he supported hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation. Incidents like these have no place in our community, the superintendent added. While charges are pending for some students, Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be held accountable, too. "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved. The moments before were obstructed from view by the crowd gathered around. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Support GBH. Due to the ages of those involved, no additional information is available at this time.". Belcher, 60, has been familiar to many in the Woburn area since he was a three-sport star at neighboring Stoneham High School in the late 1970s. 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. 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 played two seasons for the Breakers after they moved to New Orleans and Portland. 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. At the conclusion of the Title IX investigation, a second investigation, in the form of an administrative review and policy analysis will be conducted by a second outside agency, a firm headed by former Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety and Security Daniel Bennett, Former State Police Colonel Kerry Gilpin and Attorney John Benzan. 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. The only game left on the 2022 Haverhill High football schedule was the Thanksgiving rivalry game against Lowell High School. Belcher told Hanley he had left the building before the incident. Seven teenagers are facing criminal charges in Sources tell No one was against it, Hanley described the player as saying. "Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment or retaliation in any form," the message reads. WOBURN Not many high school football teams had to start this Fall II spring football season like Woburn by playing the caliber of talent that Melrose and Reading has. Andrews is gone. After News Of Anti-Semitism On Duxburys Football Team, Where Does The Town Go From Here? 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. REPORTER: THE MAYOR SAYS I SUPPORT HIRING AN OUTSIDE FIRM TO -- TO CONDUCT THE INVESTIGATION. 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. I think the parents need to take action. The three-year initiative is called Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. 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. I FEEL BAD. Coucelos alleged he also was punched by another student on a school bus, but the investigation determined Coucelos himself was the aggressor. 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. Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe. "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. 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