News 12 has confirmed with multiple
sources that some actions have been taken against the Wall Township High
School football players accused of harassment, hazing and criminal sexual contact against younger players.
The news comes as the case also
works its way through the Monmouth County juvenile court system.
Sources say the school
district banned the accused from spring sports, banned the accused from
attending prom and directed them to perform community service. Once community service is completed, sources say the
players could become eligible to play this fall.
The deal
was struck after sources say the students rejected the district’s plans
to cover tuition expenses to attend school outside of Wall Township, which
is separate from the ongoing criminal case in Monmouth County Juvenile Court.
Prosecutors charged several players with hazing, criminal
sexual contact and harassment.
News 12
first reported the scandal in November after videos showing junior football
players holding down underclassmen and threatening them with a
broom inside the school locker room. The
remaining season was scrapped. The head coach, athletic director, and two
assistant coaches were all placed on leave. Seven students were suspended
-- six have returned and one student facing additional
sex assault charges from an off-campus incident remains suspended.
Last month,
the district began a search for a new head football coach.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and board president would not comment
on the latest developments, citing juvenile privacy laws.
A parent of
one of the victims says his son is still being harassed in the hallways, saying
his family was blamed for the scandal in emails circulated around the
community.
Some family
members of the victims say they believe the accused will accept a plea bargain
to the less serious charges.