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Former Seton Hall baseball player alleges violent hazing in lawsuit, says coach did nothing about it

CBS News

a day ago

Politics
CBS News

Former Seton Hall baseball player alleges violent hazing in lawsuit, says coach did nothing about it

A former Seton Hall University baseball player is suing the school, alleging a culture of violent hazing and a coach who he says turned a blind eye. The teenager spoke exclusively with CBS News New York's Jessica Moore to explain how the alleged abuse derailed his life. Read more: Students involved in alleged hazing of lacrosse players turn themselves in after DA threatens kidnapping charges Sadness, anger and frustration now consume the once happy 17-year-old college student, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation. He says he almost immediately found himself the victim of what he calls violent hazing. "The things I saw and dealt with on a daily basis ... it was sick, truly sickening," he said. "No kid should go through what's going on there and I was able to get out of there and hopefully save others in the future." The allegations The lawsuit he has filed details graphic allegations involving sexual acts, being put in a chokehold and forced to expose his genitals to get out of it, head shaving, and more. "When the hazing started, it was every day. I'd go in every day, and it was something new. The coach didn't do anything about it. I tried to tell him about it a couple of times and he just didn't put his foot down," the teen said. The lawsuit alleges head baseball coach Rob Sheppard was fully aware of the behavior and allowed it to continue. "My last day there, I went into his office and said the stuff going on in your locker room is some sick sick stuff. What's going on here on a daily basis isn't right," the 17-year-old said. When asked if the coach tried to ask him to stay at Seton Hall, the teen said, "No. In fact, he said how disappointed he was that I was leaving." The civil suit claims violations of New Jersey's anti-hazing law, negligence, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. "We're living in a time now where athletes are empowered to speak up, and these sort of things are not tolerated anymore by athletes and they're speaking up. It's a sign of the times," said Mark Shirian, the plaintiff's attorney. Seton Hall's response to the allegations A spokesperson for the school told CBS News New York, "Seton Hall is firmly committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Upon learning of certain allegations earlier this year, the university promptly retained a nationally respected third-party investigator to conduct an independent and thorough review." CBS News New York reached out to Sheppard for comment. Seton Hall said that he doesn't have an additional statement at this time and that their statement serves as the response for both of them. The teen transferred from Seton Hall to an NCAA Division III school after only one month, losing a year of playing eligibility, but he said he saved himself from the alleged abuse. "Looking back on it, I was lucky to get out of there and, hopefully, I can get back to my dreams," the 17-year-old said. His goal of playing professional baseball is still very much alive, and he's hoping his lawsuit prevents another aspiring athlete from having to detour their dreams.

Massachusetts Gov. Healey demands answers after Milford student arrested by ICE

CBS News

3 days ago

General
CBS News

Massachusetts Gov. Healey demands answers after Milford student arrested by ICE

Milford student describes moment his friend was taken by ICE on the way to volleyball practice Milford student describes moment his friend was taken by ICE on the way to volleyball practice Milford student describes moment his friend was taken by ICE on the way to volleyball practice Governor Maura Healey is demanding answers after a Milford High School student was detained by ICE on his way to volleyball practice on Saturday. Healey demands information from ICE "I'm disturbed and outraged by reports that a Milford High School student was arrested by ICE on his way to volleyball practice yesterday. Yet again, local officials and law enforcement have been left in the dark with no heads up and no answers to their questions," Healey said in a statement. "I'm demanding that ICE provide immediate information about why he was arrested, where he is and how his due process is being protected. My heart goes out to the Milford community on what was supposed to be a celebratory graduation day. The Trump Administration continues to create fear in our communities, and it's making us all less safe." Milford Police say they were not informed that ICE would be conducting this operation. Students at Milford High School graduated on Sunday, June 1, just a day after the arrest. The Milford community planned to protest the student's detention after graduation. The 18-year-old who was detained is a member of the school band and was set to play at the graduation ceremony. What happened? A student who was in the car said he and three other students were on their way to volleyball practice when three unmarked vehicles pulled them over. The agents interrogated the students about their documentation and took the 18-year-old driver into custody. The student who described the event did not want his name released. He said he is also undocumented and was not taken into ICE custody because he is underage. The student witness said that the 18-year-old driver did not commit any moving violations and there was no reason for ICE to stop the car. Town responds to ICE arrest Milford Public Schools said ICE had detained several parents of students in recent weeks. "We are all distraught by this news," Superintendent of Milford Public Schools Kevin McIntyre said in a statement. "The Milford Public Schools play no part in immigration enforcement and support all of our students and families, including those who are immigrants to the United States. They are members of the community, students in our classrooms, athletes that compete representing Milford, musicians, artists, friends, and neighbors."