Two more teens arrested for allegedly assaulting special needs classmate in high school football scandal
Two more arrests have been made in the disturbing bullying case that has rocked Newport, Rhode Island.
Following assault charges against two 16-year-old members of the Rogers High School football team, the 17-year-old and his 14-year-old classmates were also accused of attacking the same teenage victim.
Investigations are ongoing, according to Newport Police, who made the latest arrests in the case on Monday.
The victim in this case was described by police as having ‘serious injuries’.
The names of the defendants were not disclosed by the police because they were children.
The reported incident was said to have been filmed, according to a letter to families from Newport Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain. Jermain explained that this viral video “shows that the other players did not intervene or bring this issue to the attention of an adult.”
An online GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the alleged victim with his legal bills
“This is a serious matter and there is no gray area when it comes to this type of behavior,” Jermain continued. ‘Those involved will face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with our district policies.
‘Our athletes need to understand as leaders, athletes and representatives of our community that this behavior will never be tolerated in Newport Public Schools.’
Disturbing video posted on Instagram by Newport Buzz shows a seated student being whipped with a strap or belt by a football player. In another part of the video, a man is seen kneeling down and apologizing to his enemy.
‘I’m so sorry,’ the kneeling student said, before being hit in the face with what appeared to be a rubber stretching band.
The attack is said to have occurred on Thursday in the exclusive Rhode Island enclave. It was learned that one of the suspects will be referred to the courthouse on Friday.
The renovated school was founded in 1873 and has an enrollment of only around 650 students.
Rogers High School is located in the exclusive Rhode Island community of Newport.
Newport police said: ‘The Newport Police Department emphasizes that bullying will not be tolerated or tolerated in our community, adding: ‘such actions will be investigated to the fullest extent.’
An online GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the alleged victim with his legal bills.
‘The one in the video was my little brother with special needs,’ read the post. ‘To a lawyer etc. We need it so please donate anything you can. Thank you.’
Rogers High School was coming off a 28-6 victory over Providence’s Juanita Sanchez Complex.
According to MaxPres.com, Rogers was just 2-8 on the season, ranked 34th in the nation’s smallest state.
The football program at the school dates back to 1890, but has produced only one NFL player: former Chicago Bears offensive and defensive lineman John Mellekas.
