A disturbing federal lawsuit has been filed in connection with an alleged hazing incident involving the Ursuline High School football team in Youngstown, Ohio. The lawsuit claims that during a nine-day, multi-state team trip in June 2025, a younger player was subjected to repeated hazing, including physical and sexual assault, while coaches and administrators failed to intervene.
The complaint names Ursuline High School, administrators, the head coach, assistant coaches, several players, and their parents as defendants. Allegations include that the victim was restrained, stripped, sexually assaulted, and humiliated. Other players allegedly recorded the incidents, shared them via Snapchat, and circulated them among the broader student body. Despite clear reports of misconduct, administrators reportedly minimized the concerns, with one assistant principal acknowledging the acts were “bad” but failing to launch an investigation. The victim’s family also claims they faced intimidation and pressure not to pursue the matter, while the school allegedly deleted content related to the incident from its social media accounts.
David Bianchi Weighs In
David Bianchi, a nationally recognized hazing attorney and partner at Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A., was contacted by the Ohio media for his insights on the case. David told WFMJ, the NBC affiliate, that the consequences of hazing extend far beyond the civil litigation already underway.
“Criminal charges are always a possibility when there’s a hazing incident. If the facts that have been alleged are true, then there could be a police investigation…the prosecutor will make a decision as to whether or not criminal charges should be filed,” David told the TV station.
Bianchi explained that beyond the civil rights suit, consequences could include suspensions, expulsions, or sanctions against the football program by its athletic conference. He emphasized the long-lasting reputational impact for those involved:
“This will haunt these guys for a long time because of the internet. It’s like gum on the bottom of your shoe–you cannot shake it, it will follow you forever.”
Broader Hazing Crisis
Bianchi has represented families across the nation in hazing tragedies and highlighted that hazing remains a widespread and worsening problem. “Unfortunately, hazing is a real and ongoing problem in the United States,” he says, “and it’s not getting any better.”
His remarks underscore the gravity of the Ursuline allegations: this is not just an internal disciplinary matter but an incident with potential civil, criminal, and long-term personal consequences. Bianchi also warned that scandals like these affect entire institutions, potentially deterring future students and families from attending the school.
As this lawsuit proceeds, it serves as another stark reminder that hazing is not a harmless tradition—it is abuse with devastating consequences. And unless schools enforce zero-tolerance policies and prosecutors pursue accountability, cases like Ursuline’s will continue to endanger students.