Reports: New York High School cancels JV Football season following the arrest of 3 teens involved in hazing a teammate 

The junior varsity football season at James Madison High School in Brooklyn has been canceled after three teenage players were arrested in connection with a hazing incident. The arrests, which involved two 14-year-olds and a 13-year-old, have heightened concerns over bullying and hazing within the school's athletic programs.

According to the NYPD, the three teens are facing charges of forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment. The charges stem from an incident in which the teens allegedly held down a 14-year-old teammate and touched him inappropriately without his consent.

Although many students were convicted of serious charges, some have contradicted the decision.

A student who talked to FOX 5 said that instead of it being just another bad prank it was more like a "panting" and though embarrassing it was not hazing.

"It was a simple panting situation, there was no hazing involved in it, they were just pantsing," said one student. "I'm not saying that is right at all, but these kids went to jail and stayed there overnight because of a situation like this."

The New York City Department of Education (DOE) released a statement emphasizing that any form of bullying or harassment is unacceptable in schools.

"Bullying and harassment, including hazing, have no place in our schools - period. Upon hearing reports of hazing, the school immediately acted. Parents were immediately notified, the school is providing support, and an investigation is ongoing."

The DOE is continuing its investigation, and the junior varsity team’s scheduled game against South Shore High School this Sunday has officially been forfeited. The entire season has been canceled as the investigation unfolds.

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Ongoing concerns at James Madison high school: hazing and assault allegations

Recent reports have emerged of troubling incidents involving the James Madison High School football team, prompting serious concerns regarding student safety.

This incident marks the second major controversy surrounding the football team in over a year. Former coach Nicholas Nugent was arrested on September 18, 2023, after allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old player by smashing his head against a wall.

This resulted in the boy losing his consciousness and requiring six staples in his skull. Nugent faces multiple charges, including felony assault and harassment. He has pleaded not guilty.

The injured player’s mother, Deslyn Willock, has filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against Nugent, asserting,

"Look at the people at the school. They don't care about the safety of these kids. They're only interested in saving the face of the school. Who's protecting these kids?" Willock told the Post.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern at JMHS, where five teachers have been involved in scandals over the past six years.