High School Football Assault Sparks Lawsuit

A lawsuit has been filed against Santa Margarita Catholic High School by a 15-year-old football player alleging sexual assault by teammates in the locker room. The incident reportedly involved 15 to 18 players who allegedly pinned the student down and assaulted him, leaving him with severe psychological trauma. While the Orange County Sheriff's Department is investigating, initial findings did not classify the assault as sexual. The school has placed the head coach on administrative leave and hired a third-party law firm to conduct an independent review. The Diocese of Orange has expressed commitment to a thorough investigation, while the boy's family has opted not to pursue criminal charges at this time. The case highlights significant concerns about the culture within the school's football program, known for producing professional athletes.