MASSILLON, Ohio — A disturbing lawsuit has surfaced involving a former high school football player who alleges he was subjected to a degrading hazing ritual at Massillon Washington High School. The legal action, filed in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas, implicates multiple officials from the Massillon City School District, including the superintendent, the high school principal, and the head football coach.
The lawsuit revolves around an incident reported during a football practice camp session in June 2023. According to legal documents, the then-17-year-old player was assaulted during a practice commonly known in the football program as “birthday shots.” This practice allegedly involved the player being tackled, hit, and pinched by approximately 15 teammates — an initiation rite said to mark birthdays and other occasions within the team.
Adding to the severity, the complaint details that during the incident, the teenager was forcibly stripped of his clothing and photographed, with these images later circulated on social media platforms. This act, as described in the court filings, exposed the young athlete in a profoundly humiliating manner, compounding the physical assaults he endured.
The allegations suggest a troubling tradition of similar incidents, pointing to at least six previous instances where players were stripped during these “birthday shots.” The complaint criticizes the football program’s staff and the district’s officials for their failure to supervise and intervene effectively, accusing them of negligent behavior and inadequate child protection.
At the time of the incident, head coach Nate Moore and his staff were reportedly on an extended break. They only became aware of the situation as photographs of the hazing began to appear online. The delay in response and the immediate sharing of the images highlight significant lapses in oversight, according to the lawsuit.
This incident has prompted important discussions about the culture within sports teams, primarily how rites such as hazing can persist and the collective silence that often surrounds them. Experts suggest that creating an environment where players feel safe to speak out without fear of reprisal is key to curbing such behavior.
The ramifications of such incidents are profound, not only for the victims but also for the integrity of the educational and sports institutions involved. The lawsuit specifically accuses the responsible parties of hazing violations, negligent supervision, and failing to promptly report the abuse, which could have potentially mitigated the harm to the victim.
Represented by Akron-area attorney Edward Gilbert, the now 18-year-old plaintiff and his family are seeking justice through a jury trial, demanding both accountability from those involved and monetary compensation for the physical and emotional injuries sustained.
A mediation hearing has been scheduled for October, with the trial set to commence in February 2026. This case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies and stricter enforcement to safeguard students in athletic programs nationwide.