News Summary
A former freshman football player at Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging hazing, sexual assault, and the sharing of child pornography by members of the football team during a team trip. The lawsuit details traumatic initiation rituals and misconduct, prompting school officials to respond with increased supervision and disciplinary actions. The case has raised significant concerns within the community about the safety of student athletes and accountability within school sports programs.
Youngstown, Ohio — Former Ursuline High School Football Player Files Federal Lawsuit Alleging Hazing and Abuse
A former freshman football player at Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio, and his family have filed a federal lawsuit accusing members of the school’s football team of hazing, sexual assault, and the dissemination of child pornography. The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio, details a series of disturbing events during a nine-day team trip in June that included visits to Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Details of the Alleged Incidents
According to the lawsuit, during the trip, the student reportedly underwent initiation rituals tied to the school’s hazing culture. The complaint claims the player was attacked, assaulted, and stripped by several teammates, with some of these assaults being filmed and then shared via the team’s group Snapchat account. The allegations specify that these actions caused significant trauma to the player, who has been left traumatized by the experiences.
The lawsuit also alleges that some of the recorded incidents showcased students bragging about their actions and planning future attacks, indicating a troubling pattern of misconduct. The complaint further asserts that members of the team engaged in the sharing of images involving child pornography, which has heightened concerns about the safety and supervision within the team environment.
School Response and Investigation
Ursuline High School has responded by canceling its scheduled football game against Farrell, set for September 5. The school stated that the safety and well-being of its students remain a top priority and emphasized its cooperation with investigations into the allegations. An investigation was reportedly initiated after a formal report was made by the student’s family.
Following the report, the school has taken disciplinary actions against some students; however, others left the football program voluntarily before further disciplinary measures could be implemented. In addition, the school has increased chaperone presence during trips and introduced mandatory safety training reviews for student athletes to enhance supervision and prevent future misconduct.
Alleged Negligence and Cover-ups
The lawsuit accuses the school administration of failure to act adequately concerning prior hazing incidents, asserting that there has been a systemic failure to hold accountable those responsible. The complaint suggests a culture of cover-ups and intimidation, with claims that coaches and school officials were aware of hazing activities yet did not intervene or stop the misconduct.
The defendants named in the lawsuit include the school’s principal, assistant principal, head football coach, two assistant coaches, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, and 11 unnamed football players. The lawsuit lists various criminal allegations against the involved students, including hazing, sexual assault, aggravated assault, battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, stalking, child pornography distribution, and telecommunications harassment.
Additional Impact on the Community and Victims
The complaint states that the responsibility to protect students from foreseeable harm was neglected by school officials and coaches who failed in their duty to ensure a safe environment. It is also reported that the victim’s sister faced intimidation from the football players and was forced to leave Ursuline High School before her senior year as a result of the intimidation and threats.
Relatives and members of the Ursuline community have expressed concern and outrage following the allegations. Meanwhile, the Youngstown Police Department is actively investigating the claims made in the lawsuit to determine additional criminal conduct and to ensure accountability.
Background Information
Ursuline High School is a private Catholic school with a longstanding tradition of athletic programs. Previous reports have highlighted issues related to misconduct within certain school activities, but specific details regarding prior hazing incidents have not been publicly disclosed until now. The current allegations mark a significant and troubling development for the school community and its stakeholders.
Legal proceedings are ongoing, and authorities continue to gather evidence related to the lawsuit. The case underscores ongoing concerns about safeguarding student athletes and maintaining accountability within school sports programs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ursuline High School Cancels Football Game Amid Hazing Allegations
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
