Three teens at James Madison High School in Brooklyn were arrested for sexually abusing a fellow junior-varsity football teammate in an alleged hazing incident. The incident took place in a locker room when the team was unsupervised and involved the victim being held down, having his clothes removed, and his private area being touched by two 14-year-old boys and a 13-year-old boy. The trio was charged with forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment by the NYPD.
Following the incident, the junior varsity football season at James Madison High School has been canceled, and top officials from the Department of Education have visited the school. The team’s next game was forfeited, and parents of players have expressed frustration over the lack of information provided about the incident. Coach Jamil Thomas was set to lead the team in a game against South Shore High School before the season was canceled.
This is not the first disturbing incident involving the James Madison High School football team. In September 2023, former JV football coach Nicholas Nugent was arrested and charged with multiple counts of felony assault, endangering the welfare of a child, harassment, and menacing after allegedly smashing a 14-year-old player’s head into a wall. The player’s mother has since filed a lawsuit against Nugent and the city for $2.5 million, citing her son’s injuries and the impact on his ability to continue playing football.
In addition to the recent incidents involving the football team, James Madison High School has faced previous scandals. In 2015, a teacher at the school was found to be engaging in daily sexual activity with students, making them the fifth teacher in six years to be involved in scandals at the school. The high school, founded in 1925, has notable alumni such as US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Bernie Sanders, the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and comedian Chris Rock, who attended the school before dropping out.
Overall, James Madison High School has been under scrutiny for the troubling incidents involving the football team and teachers engaging in inappropriate behavior with students. The lack of supervision during the hazing incident and the violent actions of the former football coach have raised concerns among parents and officials. The ongoing lawsuit regarding the assault on the 14-year-old player highlights the impact of these incidents on the victims and their families, as well as the school’s reputation in the community.
Moving forward, it is essential for James Madison High School to address these incidents and take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students participating in sports programs. Transparency, accountability, and preventative measures should be implemented to prevent future incidents of hazing, abuse, or inappropriate behavior by school staff. The involvement of law enforcement, the Department of Education, and parents in addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students at James Madison High School.
