By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Eleven Westhill High School lacrosse players surrendered to authorities following an alleged hazing incident involving at least five younger teammates. One victim was reportedly abducted, bound, and threatened with weapons in a remote wooded area. District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick offered a 48-hour window for self-surrender to avoid felony kidnapping charges, resulting in all eleven receiving appearance tickets for unlawful imprisonment. The remaining lacrosse season has been canceled as the district addresses the incident’s impact on the school community.
Read the original article here
Eleven high school lacrosse players from upstate New York have been ordered to surrender to authorities following a serious hazing incident. This situation highlights the severity of the actions taken and the potential consequences for the involved students. The incident has sparked significant outrage within the community, particularly given the prominent role of lacrosse in the region’s culture.
The consequences of this hazing extend far beyond the immediate repercussions for the perpetrators. For some seniors, the cancellation of the lacrosse season could jeopardize their chances of receiving Division I college scholarships, potentially limiting their options to less desirable Division III walk-on positions. This underscores the high stakes associated with lacrosse in this area and the devastating impact this incident has had on the future prospects of these young athletes.
The details of the hazing are alarming and raise serious questions about the culture within the lacrosse team. Accounts describe a planned abduction of a teammate, involving a trip that began innocently enough with a lacrosse game and McDonald’s. The evening took a sinister turn when the victim was driven to a secluded wooded area under the pretense of being lost. This was not some minor prank; the victim was met by masked individuals armed with a handgun and a knife.
The level of planning and the use of weapons during this hazing incident are particularly disturbing. The victim was blindfolded, tied up, and placed in the trunk of a car. Video evidence of the incident exists, corroborating the victim’s account and underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The chilling description of the event paints a picture of orchestrated intimidation and potential violence.
The response to the incident has been swift and decisive. The district attorney involved in the case has emphasized the severity of the actions, noting the potential for harm and emphasizing the seriousness of the crime. The young men involved were ordered to turn themselves in, demonstrating a recognition of the gravity of their actions. The fact that they have surrendered suggests they understand the repercussions they face and, perhaps, some level of remorse.
The question of appropriate punishment is a complex one. While some argue that these are “just kids” who made a mistake, the actions taken clearly went beyond typical adolescent pranks. The use of weapons, the kidnapping, and the planned nature of the event all point to a deliberate act of violence that demands significant consequences. Others believe that the severity of the crime justifies felony charges and a year-long suspension of the lacrosse program, asserting a need to set a precedent and demonstrate that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The incident prompts a broader discussion about hazing culture and the role of adults in preventing such incidents. The prevailing sentiment seems to be one of disappointment and concern that such extreme hazing still exists in high school. There are questions about whether the culture within the team, and perhaps within the broader community, contributed to this event. Did a climate of silence and tolerance allow such actions to take place? Were there warning signs that were missed by coaches, parents, or school officials?
The contrasting descriptions of hazing incidents from various sources reveal a wide spectrum of behavior. Some describe relatively harmless traditions, like water balloon fights or silly costumes, while others paint a far more sinister picture involving physical abuse, psychological manipulation, and potentially illegal activities. This incident clearly falls into the latter category. The range of past experiences and examples highlights the need for clear lines between acceptable traditions and dangerous hazing.
The incident also raises questions about the handling of the situation by the involved parties. Some commenters suggest that the parents of the involved students might be trying to minimize the consequences, perhaps seeking a less severe punishment through family court rather than a public trial. This points to a potential conflict between the desire for justice and the potential for protecting the reputation of those involved.
The incident in upstate New York serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of hazing and the urgent need for greater awareness and prevention efforts. The severity of this case, involving weapons, kidnapping, and a planned abduction, should send a clear message that such actions are unacceptable and will have serious repercussions. The future of these young men, and the future of the lacrosse program, hang in the balance. The community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how the legal process unfolds and what steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The impact on the involved individuals, their families, and the broader lacrosse community is undeniably profound.