The Androscoggin County district attorney’s office has announced that there will be no charges filed in connection with the hazing scandal involving Lisbon High School’s football team. The DA’s office concluded that the incidents reported were described as “horseplay” and “goofing around” with voluntary participation, and did not meet the threshold for criminal charges under Maine statutes.
An independent investigation into the hazing allegations revealed a culture of hazing among upperclassmen on the football team. Freshmen players were subjected to various forms of humiliation, including being poked with a broom and forced to participate in belt fights. The investigation found that some players were resistant to cooperating with authorities, with evidence of attempts to conceal the truth.
Seven players were suspended from the team in light of the investigation’s findings. The school district is now taking steps to prevent future hazing incidents, such as implementing supervision in locker rooms at all times and considering mandatory hazing prevention courses for coaches and student athletes.
Superintendent Rick Green has not yet made a decision on further discipline for the players or any coaching changes. The district attorney’s office emphasized that while no criminal charges will be pursued at this time, the behavior uncovered in the investigation constitutes hazing and falls within the scope of prohibited bullying.
Moving forward, Lisbon High School is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all students and athletes, with a zero-tolerance approach to hazing.
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