News Summary

Ursuline High School’s football season is disrupted due to a second federal lawsuit alleging hazing, sexual harassment, and assault by a student athlete. Key administration members are named as defendants in this case, which follows a first lawsuit highlighting similar serious issues during a team trip. Citing safety concerns, several schools have canceled games against Ursuline, while the community questions the school’s response to the allegations and its commitment to student safety.

Ursuline High School’s Football Season Disrupted Amid Second Federal Lawsuit Claiming Hazing and Sexual Assault

In Youngstown, Ohio, the beloved high school football season at Ursuline High School is facing significant turmoil following a second federal lawsuit. This new case brings serious allegations of sexual harassment, stalking, and violent assault against a football player whose identity is listed as “Player 6.” The lawsuit, which falls under federal Title IX civil rights protections, has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Breaking Down the Accusations

The lawsuit identifies not just the school but also key figures within its administration. Assistant Principal Margaret Damore, Athletic Director John DeSantis, and even the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown have been named as defendants alongside the student athlete. This comes on the heels of a first lawsuit, which already highlighted considerable issues involving hazing and sexual assault on a team trip taken by the football squad in June 2025.

The original lawsuit details shocking reports of a group of football players engaging in violent behavior against a minor, who is referred to as “Son King,” during an out-of-state trip that included stops in Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee. Allegedly, these troubling incidents were recorded by students and shared on social media. Understandably, this has rattled the school community and raised alarm bells across the district.

Game Cancellations and Safety Concerns

As a result of these accusations, several schools have decided to cancel scheduled games against Ursuline. St. Vincent-St. Mary High School has canceled two upcoming games, while Austintown Fitch, as well as Warren Harding High School, has also called off their respective matches. Citing concerns for student safety, these decisions reflect the serious nature of the allegations and the broader implications for the football team and the school community.

Allegations of Inaction

The second lawsuit delves deeper, claiming that school officials, particularly Damore, did not act appropriately when informed about the alleged sexual abuse of a female student by a football player. Instead of taking the necessary steps, such as reporting the incident to law enforcement as is required, it is alleged that officials failed the student. The player involved is said to have been regarded as a “venerated star,” complicating matters further.

Among the claims in the lawsuit, it is stated that the abuse began in June 2023. The football player reportedly solicited intimate photos from the girl and, during an encounter, violently assaulted her on a turf field, inflicting injuries, including severe turf burns. After the incident was reported, the school administration allegedly did not take appropriate action, even leading to the victim’s family feeling pressured to withdraw her from Ursuline for her safety.

Management and Coaching Responses

In light of the unfolding drama, Coach Dan Reardon of the Ursuline football team has been suspended, and assistant coaches Timothy McGlynn and Christian Syrianoudis have also been placed on leave. The situation has undoubtedly left a cloud hanging over the school’s football program and raised many eyebrows within the local community.

Ursuline High School has stated they are reviewing the lawsuit with legal counsel but have yet to comment further. Meanwhile, the Chandra Law Firm, representing the victims, is indicating that there may be more lawsuits to come against Ursuline, signaling that the high school’s troubles might just be beginning.

Community Impact

The clouds of these allegations have not only disrupted the football season but also affected the broader school community, prompting discussions about accountability and the importance of students’ safety. While the administration maintains support for the current leadership, many are left questioning whether appropriate measures are being taken to protect all students.

Overall, this situation presents an important reminder of the need for vigilance in schools when it comes to student safety, as the Ursuline community grapples with challenging questions in the wake of such serious allegations.

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