Ursuline Cancels Football Game Amid Federal Hazing, Abuse Lawsuit

Ursuline High School in Ohio has forfeited a scheduled football game against Farrell, Pennsylvania, following the filing of a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging hazing, physical and sexual assault during a football camp trip. The lawsuit names the school, its principal and assistant principal, head football coach Dan Reardon, assistant coaches, several players, their families, and the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. It accuses coaches of knowing about the misconduct, which included kidnapping and the production and sharing of child pornography, but failing to take appropriate action, while school administrators are also accused of misconduct in response to the allegations. Ursuline officials stated that after receiving a formal report from the victim's family, an investigation was launched, authorities were notified, and disciplinary actions were taken against some students. The Farrell football coach was informed of the cancellation by Ursuline's head coach following the school's board decision. Since the lawsuit's filing, additional alleged victims and witnesses have reportedly come forward, intensifying scrutiny of Ursuline's handling of the incidents.