Coucelos, who is 14, told Jim Braude on Greater Boston Monday that his life has changed drastically since the attack, and the harassment has not stopped. 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. Three years later, he became the head coach at Bedford High School. 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. display: none; Parents of the boy who allegedly was kicked in 2018 also faulted the school administration. It was dirty. It's not good for our school. 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. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. One football player was accused of indecent assault for allegedly yanking down Johnathans pants and touching his genitals in the locker room episode. 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. Seven Massachusetts students charged in connection with alleged assaults on high school football teammate. The Woburn High School football team was on the field Friday night against Melrose High School but off the field, an investigation is underway. BOSTON, Ma. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said Thursday that he supported hiring an outside firm to conduct the investigation. 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. >> WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE VIDEO? 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. "I lost half of my friends. THIS IS VIDEO OF THE ALLEGED HAZING INCIDENT IN THE FOOTBALL LOCKROOM. 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. Johnathan Coucelos (center) and his family have helped drive the scrutiny of Woburn's football program. ", Watch: Woburn High School accused of ignoring allegations of bullying. 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. James Austin's son is on the football team. Police are investigating and members of the teams coaching staff have been placed on administrative leave. 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. 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. 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.. We hadnt been winning a lot of games and I thought he might turn things around.. The Couceles family reported the assault to police in October. It's not good for our school. And this has very negatively impacted both Jonathan and his parents, the whole family.. "I fully support the superintendents actions in cancelling the Thanksgiving game, suspending those involved and conducting a full investigation. The matter has also been referred to the Haverhill Police Department for further investigation, according to the school officials' message. Former Woburn High School football player Johnathan Coucelos said he was assaulted and bullied by teammates in the locker room, 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. The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. They stated in their civil complaint that they reported the incident to the principal, Jessica Callanan, soon after it occurred. The Haverhill High School football stadium and locker room are located approximately 10 minutes off campus. It's really not a bad school. "I urge patience as we are all eager to view the results, myself included.". (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. The three-year initiative is called Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence. Callanan hired him in 2017 to succeed Woburns legendary coach, Rocky Nelson, and a former student who played in three of Belchers first four years at Woburn said, My first impression of him was positive. Lowell staged a miraculous comeback in last year s contest, scoring 34 points in the second half to stun the Hillies, 41-36. Two other Woburn students allegedly accosted Coucelos later, he said. 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. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. Wilson said he wasnt surprised by news of bullying in Belchers program. juvenile justice system handle the Woburn bullying case? Head football coach Jack Belcher has posted a 29-20 record at Woburn. "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. "The Woburn Police Department and Woburn Public Schools will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all students. All rights reserved (About Us). I FEEL BAD. 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. "It was gross. (CNN) - Police are investigating whether a juvenile football player was hazed, and sexually assaulted at school. On Sept. 25, 2018, three years to the day before the Coucelos incident, a 15-year-old Woburn player was kicked so hard in the head by a teammate that he stumbled, dazed, from the practice field and vomited, he stated in a civil case pending before the state Supreme Judicial Court. It was disgusting. Couceles says a student pulled down his sons pants and groped his genitals. The MIAA rejected the request, saying it does not investigate internal complaints involving member schools. Attempts to reach Belcher, Duran, and Andrews were unsuccessful. "As your superintendent I promise that the standards we will set for ourselves, our sports programs and how we are to treat one another will be of paramount importance as we continue to move through this process and learn all the facts and circumstances," Crowley wrote. How will the Mass. It did explain that additional details were not released because of the ages of those involved. A Woburn police detective has been assigned to the case. And at some point, he had to leave the school for his safety. }Customer Service. Belcher started his high school coaching career as an assistant at Bishop Fenwick in 2001. #ada-button-frame { 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. When I first saw it, I thought it was just a form of competition, 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. He says there needs to be more accountability. ""The boys involved in this disgusting incident should be immediately permanently removed from the team," the mayor said in his statement. The freshman football player is seen pulling up his pants in the video. Multiple investigations are being undertaken. The Globe does not identify victims of alleged sexual assaults unless they give their consent. Hahn said he provided notice to the city and school district about their intent to sue. Detective assigned to investigate allegations of hazing involving Woburn High School sports team. "As these matters concern allegations involving minors, there was and remains much we cannot say publicly about this situation," Crowley said. 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. He says there needs to be more accountability. Seven teenagers are facing criminal charges in He instills hard work, with strict rules, respect for team members and respect for adults at all times. 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 feel like parents need to be more involved and acknowledge who their kids friends are. 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. Saturday's statement did not provide details about the nature of the allegation and did not specifically mention the football team. #ada-button-frame { "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. 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. That week, the Woburn Police Department and Middlesex District Attorney announced they were investigating the incident. They explicitly and repeatedly informed the players of those prohibitions both prior to and subsequent to the [attack]., Crowleys assertion appears contrary to head freshman coach Chris Scichilones statement in the investigative report that training related to hazing or Title IX only occurred after the incident and Andrewss statement that he did not receive any formal training with respect to hazing until after the incident.. Something needs to be said, something to be done. 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. Coaches are, by policy, considered responsible for safeguarding student-athletes against any form of abuse. This content is imported from Facebook. A video of the incident allegedly shows members of the Haverhill High School football team hazing a teenage boy. He is a good person that cares tremendously for us.. 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. He was attacked in the bathroom. The remaining coaches reported hearing nothing unusual from their offices near the locker room, despite the loud commotion, which numerous players recorded. The Rockets improved to 2-0 by dominating Woburn, 35-7, last Saturday at Woburn High. Incidents like these have no place in our community, the superintendent added. OVERALL 7-4 0.64 Win %. Its shocking that there still have been no repercussions for anyone in the athletic department, said Peter Hahn, the Coucelos familys attorney. The 25 new centers are expected to ease the burden on emergency rooms for patients with behavioral health crises. One tradition put on hold, while another continues, exposing vulnerable youngsters to physical and emotional harm. Warren said a formal announcement is forthcoming. 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.. Hire A Woburn Area Pro To Get A Head Start On Spring Cleaning. READINGS MATT BLASI (83) reaches to make a catch before Woburns Travis Kanoni (4) can move in. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Peter Hahn, the attorney representing the Couceles family, said five high school students are facing charges for assault and battery for the September incident. Several media outlets have reported on a video, posted to Boston 25, allegedly showing members of the football team hazing a teenage boy. 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. 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. The only game left on the 2022 Haverhill High football schedule was the Thanksgiving rivalry game against Lowell High School. NEW! 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. 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. I didn't like what I saw," said student Elliot Batista. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. KYMA/CBS 13/KECY is an equal opportunity employer. Haverhill Public Schools will not tolerate hazing, harassment, or retaliation in any form, the school district said in the statement. 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. Couceles said his wife decided to pull their son out of the Woburn school for his safety in December. After months of waiting, the case is expected to be heard in juvenile court next month. He played two seasons for the Breakers after they moved to New Orleans and Portland. ""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. In Peabody, members of the football team were disciplined last week after a video showed players unsupervised in a locker room last month using a racial slur and mimicking sexual acts. With Haverhill forfeiting the contest, Lowell will finish the season with a 4-7 record. 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. I don't think any town or any school is immune from it. Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com. "Any such misconduct will be responded to swiftly and it will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for all of those involved. I think the parents need to take action. I told Belcher hes an adult bully and shouldnt be coaching anybodys kids, the parent said. 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.. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! It was very nasty," said student Felix Molina. "Very heartbroken.. Coucelos, fearing for his safety, has transferred to Cambridge Matignon School. Morning Weather PF343 PA206 STREAK2W. "This is an active and ongoing investigation. It was dirty. Andrews, a 2020 graduate of Endicott College, indicated his football experience was limited to Pop Warner and high school. 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. Multiple criminal complaints have been filed against several New Jersey high school students following two probes into allegations of rampant abuse and hazing. The federal Title IX law protects students against many forms of discrimination and violence, including bullying and hazing. Students allegedly accosted Coucelos later, he became the head coach at Bedford High school football and... Student Elliot Batista conduct the investigation football players in uniform, are seen pouring water on him and water! Student Felix Molina and Violence, including bullying and hazing these have no place in our Community, the Police. 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