Family Sues Ursuline High School, Coaches, and Players Over Hazing and Abuse Allegations
A family has filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit against Ursuline High School, its principal, assistant principal, several football coaches, and multiple players and their parents after their son was allegedly hazed, physically and sexually assaulted, and subjected to the creation and sharing of child pornography during a nine-day football camp trip in June 2025.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleges a long-standing culture of hazing within the school’s football program and a cover-up by school leaders. Defendants include:
- Ursuline High School
- Principal Matthew Sammartino
- Assistant Principal Margaret Damore
- Head Coach Daniel Reardon
- Assistant Coaches Timothy McGlynn & Christian Syrianoudis
- Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
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11 football players and their parents
The Allegations
- Players carried out repeated hazing, physical and sexual abuse, kidnapping, and production of child pornography throughout the trip across Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama.
- Videos of the attacks were allegedly shared on the team’s Snapchat group and circulated in the community.
- Coaches reportedly witnessed or were aware of misconduct but failed to intervene.
- When the affected child’s mother reported the abuse, one coach allegedly dismissed it as “just boys being boys.”
- School officials attempted to cover up the incidents by deleting social media posts, discouraging players from speaking, and issuing misleading statements to parents and the media.
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The complaint alleges intimidation against the affected child’s sister, who was forced to transfer schools after being harassed by one of the accused players.
The Legal Action
Plaintiffs’ attorney Subodh Chandra stated: “No family should have to endure the trauma this family suffered at the hands of other students and then at the hands of school officials who, the suit alleges, excused, ignored, and even tried to silence them.”
The lawsuit claims:
- Violations of Title IX protections against sex discrimination and harassment in education.
- Failure to protect students from foreseeable harm.
- Negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of coaches with questionable backgrounds.
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Civil liability under Ohio, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee law for the alleged criminal acts.
As of publication, Ursuline High School has not provided a comment.
Every child has the right to safety, dignity, and protection from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Schools and institutions carry the duty to protect students from all forms of abuse, ensure a safe learning environment free from sexual exploitation and harassment, and uphold the child’s best interests.
