Northbridge High Football Players Accused Of Hazing Freshman
NORTHBRIDGE (CBS) -- Four members of the Northbridge High School football team have been accused of hazing a freshman by pressuring him to drink urine, according to the police.
On Aug. 19, four juniors on the team directed the freshman to perform a physical task, and when he failed to complete it the boy was given a container with urine in it to drink, a Northbridge Police report states.
Northbridge High principal Michael Gauthier reported the incident to police on Wednesday at about 10:45 a.m.
After police contacted the freshman's mother, she and the boy went to the Northbridge Police Department to speak with investigators at about 4:15 p.m.
The boy told police he lost a "sled pad" race to another freshman. He said the four juniors then gave him a gallon jug containing urine and pressured him verbally to drink it. The boy said he took a sip and then spit it out, according to a police report.
The freshman did not want to press charges, the police said.
It is unclear whether the juniors will be prosecuted.
Northbridge Superintendent Dr. Nancy Spitulnik released this statement Tuesday:
The Northbridge Public School District takes all incidents of hazing seriously, and follows strict protocols whenever an incident occurs. We do a thorough investigation, and apply appropriate consequences that match the seriousness of the situation. We also report the incident to the police as required by law. The law prohibits us from releasing any names or details of the incident, or commenting on the consequences that were given to students.
It is unfortunate that this hazing incident has occurred. It does not reflect the true nature of the Northbridge Schools. We stress respect and good sportsmanship in all our programs, and are proud of the maturity, responsibility, and sensitivity of our students. We will continue to work with students to emphasize the prohibition on all forms of hazing and bullying, while administering suitable consequences to deter future incidents.
