He was called a snitch. To my knowledge, there have been no other bullying allegations made to the administration regarding this individual.. "Parents deserve to know when they send their kids to play high school sports that their children will be safe.". I told Belcher hes an adult bully and shouldnt be coaching anybodys kids, the parent said. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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.. A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. It took a big toll on him, very big toll.. Coucelos reported the violent incidents to coaches and the police who did not take enough action. "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. Head football coach Jack Belcher has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. The freshman football player is seen pulling up his pants in the video. 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. Instead, Belcher instructed the traumatized player to return to the field for 35 more minutes of contact drills, his complaint states. 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 He was harassed by a number of different students, said Hahn. Lowell staged a miraculous comeback in last year s contest, scoring 34 points in the second half to stun the Hillies, 41-36. He allegedly was punched and struck with water bottles, as well as being indecently assaulted. "It's just so wrong how they're handling it. Then I saw it boil over into the locker room because it caused kids to literally hate each other and fight off the field.. With Haverhill forfeiting the contest, Lowell will finish the season with a 4-7 record. 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. All seven face single counts of assault and battery, while one also is charged with indecent assault and battery for allegedly grabbing Couceloss genitals. The 25 new centers are expected to ease the burden on emergency rooms for patients with behavioral health crises. The county district attorney has indicated it will join local police in the investigation. 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. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. "As these matters concern allegations involving minors, there was and remains much we cannot say publicly about this situation," Crowley said. Whats more, the family says, no school employee has publicly accepted responsibility for the trauma, while the students answer to criminal charges. "The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. He says there needs to be more accountability. "Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment or retaliation in any form," the message reads. 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. "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. But conflicting witness statements prevented Nelson from establishing who groped Coucelos, he stated. He instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for team members and respect for adults at all times. It was very nasty. Student leaders of the Woburn team took a stand in recent days supporting Belcher. 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 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. "It was pretty nasty, making us look bad. It did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. 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. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. It's really not a bad school. "It was gross. But former players and parents allege bullying became routine under Belcher, who has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. Seven teenagers are facing criminal charges in KYMA KECY is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. In 1983, Belcher was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the ninth round of the NFL Draft. 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. Warren said a formal announcement is forthcoming. It hurts him to this day. The committee will likely go into an executive session in order to determine the next steps that should be taken in the hazing investigation. All of those charged are students at Woburn Memorial High School. Peter Hahn, the attorney representing the Couceles family, said five high school students are facing charges for assault and battery for the September incident. 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. Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said Thursday that he supported hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation. "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. This is an active and ongoing investigation. Whats more, the boy and his parents allege, school authorities failed to correct the abusive nature of Belchers coaching after they reported the incident. 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. KYMA/CBS 13/KECY is an equal opportunity employer. "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved.". The player alleges Woburn head coach Jack Belcher instigated the kick by encouraging older teammates to in Belchers words toughen up younger ones. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! "It was pretty nasty, making us look bad. The family is asking for accountability from the school. 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. 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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. 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.. "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. 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. Officials said in Saturday's statement that the incident involved a sports team and an alleged incident that occurred "earlier in the school year.". He says there needs to be more accountability. The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus. 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. "I urge patience as we are all eager to view the results, myself included.". THE STUDENTS INVOLVED HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED. Some Woburn residents are upset that alleged assailants were allowed to play at Fenway in the Thanksgiving game against Winchester. Now there was a heavy police presence here at the game, but no issues here tonight. Severe Weather Alerts "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. 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. 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. 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. Parents of the boy who allegedly was kicked in 2018 also faulted the school administration. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The three-year initiative is called Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence. 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. It's not good for our school. James Austin's son is on the football team. Woburn police received a complaint on Oct. 13 regarding an incident earlier in the school year, the joint statement said. Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment, or retaliation in any form, the school district said in the statement. Crowley did not provide details of the 2019 allegation. Seven Woburn High School students are facing charges after a 14-year-old football player reported being attacked and sexually assaulted by his teammates. 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. 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. 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. Hes suffering, and were trying to bring him back to normal, but its going to be very hard, said Kevin Coucelos, who with his wife, Jeanny, has four school-aged children. Woburn officials issue statement about investigation involving football team. 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. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. It's not good for our school. 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. 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. 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. WOBURN SENIOR FOOTBALL CAPTAINS (l-r) Derek Dabrieo, Jake Daniell, Derek Baccari, Anthony Palmieri and Yahya Aksadi. Officials in Woburn said Saturday that authorities are 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. How will the Mass. 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. While charges are pending for some students, Couceles says the coaches and school leadership should be held accountable, too. NEW! It was disgusting. Woburn officials on Saturday issued a statement confirming that a detective was assigned to an investigation involving a high school sports team. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants When I first saw it, I thought it was just a form of competition, he said. Bullying and hazing happen when you pit players against each other like he does, Wilson said. An alleged hazing incident is under investigation at the high school in Woburn, Massachusetts. The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. One football player was accused of indecent assault for allegedly yanking down Johnathans pants and touching his genitals in the locker room episode. A family in Woburn, Massachusetts, wants to see justice served when it comes to the teenagers accused of assaulting their son in a high school locker room last fall. 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.. Three years later, he became the head coach at Bedford High School. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. Two other Woburn students allegedly accosted Coucelos later, he said. Woburn Police have assigned a detective to the case. Hahn said he provided notice to the city and school district about their intent to sue. 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. The Coucelos family accused school officials of putting the football teams interests ahead of student safety with their disciplinary measures. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. It was dirty. 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. It was very nasty. The Rockets improved to 2-0 by dominating Woburn, 35-7, last Saturday at Woburn High. Woburn School Superintendent Matthew Crowley issued a statement saying Coucelos was unjustly assaulted by other members of the football team. He wrote that Woburn is committed to providing enhanced training for athletic staff to ensure safe participation in athletics for all of our students., Crowley maintained that Woburns football coaches were aware of the prohibitions against bullying and hazing prior to the school year. ""The boys involved in this disgusting incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team," the mayor said in his statement. 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. 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 Memorial Football. It's not good. One has an additional "indecent assault and battery" charge. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Bullying claims date back years in Woburn High School football program By Bob Hohler Globe Staff,Updated February 26, 2022, GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. juvenile justice system handle the Woburn bullying case? The committee will likely go into an executive session in order to determine the next steps that should be taken in the hazing investigation.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. 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). 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