News Summary
A former freshman football player has filed a federal lawsuit against Ursuline High School, accusing the school of hazing, sexual assault, and distributing child pornography during a team trip. The lawsuit claims multiple players participated in disturbing initiation rituals while coaching staff turned a blind eye. The accusations have sparked community outrage, as the school cancels upcoming games and pledges cooperation with ongoing investigations by local police.
Youngstown, Ohio – A former freshman football player has filed a federal lawsuit against Ursuline High School, alleging hazing, sexual assault, and the distribution of child pornography linked to incidents during a nine-day team trip last June. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio, outlines grave accusations against multiple members of the high school’s football team.
The incidents reportedly transpired during a trip covering locations in Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama. The plaintiff asserts he endured various initiation rituals consistent with a culture of hazing within the team, which included being attacked, stripped by teammates, and having these assaults filmed and shared on a team group Snapchat.
The lawsuit claims that coaching staff were aware of the hazing but did nothing to intervene, leading to allegations of a systematic culture of cover-ups and intimidation within the football program. The attorney representing the victim states the incidents have left the student traumatized due to the sexual assault and public humiliation faced.
In response to the allegations, Ursuline High School announced the cancellation of an upcoming football game against Farrell, scheduled for September 5. The school emphasized that the safety and well-being of the students is a top priority and confirmed cooperation with ongoing investigations into the reported incidents.
Following a formal report by the family, the school launched an investigation and implemented disciplinary actions toward some students involved. In certain cases, students chose to withdraw from the football program before additional disciplinary measures could be taken. To enhance student safety, the school has increased chaperone presence during activities and instituted mandatory training reviews.
The legal filing alleges a long-standing pattern of hazing at Ursuline High, questioning the administration’s accountability and responsibility to guard against foreseeable harm. The defendants listed 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.
Claims within the lawsuit encompass a range of charges, including criminal hazing, sexual assault, aggravated assault, battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, stalking, child pornography, and telecommunications harassment. The suit further argues that the school administration neglected its duty to provide a safe environment for students, allowing a dangerous culture to persist.
Adding to the concerning allegations, the victim’s sister reportedly experienced intimidation from team members, resulting in her departure from Ursuline before completing her senior year. According to the complaint, some recorded incidents revealed students boasting about their actions while others planned further assaults.
Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges negligence in hiring and supervising the coaching staff, connecting this inadequate oversight to a pattern of misconduct. The community surrounding Ursuline High School has expressed alarm following these severe allegations regarding their football program.
Current investigations are being carried out by the Youngstown Police Department into the lawsuit’s claims, with authorities seeking to uncover the full extent of the reported incidents and any potential repercussions for those involved.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ursuline High School Cancels Football Game Amid Lawsuit
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
