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Brunswick’s schools superintendent has removed players from the high school football team for the remainder of the season as “interim actions” following an alleged hazing incident during a retirement from the pre-season team.
Superintendent Phil Potenziano declined to say how many players were withdrawn, citing issues of confidentiality and federal education rights and privacy law.
“Playing football for Brunswick High School is a privilege, not a right,” Potenziano said in an email to the Press Herald on Friday morning while awaiting the school department’s report on its investigation into the alleged incident.
“Players are expected to always act appropriately, with character and integrity, not only on the football field but also at school and in the community. The Brunswick School Service has taken interim action following violations of codes of conduct and other school district policies. This resulted in the withdrawal of some students from the BHS football team. “
Later on Friday, the superintendent said he had received the investigation report from the school department’s legal counsel, headed by attorney Allen Kropp of the Portland Drummond Woodsum firm.
“I will not make any further comments tonight other than to say that I am currently reviewing the report and wish to give it the attention it requires,” said Potenziano.
Earlier this season, Brunswick’s football roster numbered 38 players. In the team’s game on Friday night at Skowhegan High, 27 players were in uniform for the Dragons, although it is not known how many players were missing for disciplinary reasons.
No decision has been made on whether head coach Dan Cooper or his top assistant Greg Nadeau will be allowed to return to coaching, Potenziano said. They were placed on non-disciplinary administrative leave by the superintendent last week. Cooper offered the team a pre-game prayer ahead of Friday night’s game, but assistant Nate Brunette coached the team during the game.
Brunswick High’s football team head to the field on Friday night ahead of their game in Skowhegan. Only 27 players were in uniform for the Dragons. Michael G. Seamans / Morning Sentry
A week ago, Potenziano canceled the college football game on September 24 and put the program on a four-day hiatus as the Brunswick school department and police conducted separate investigations into the alleged hazing incident. On Tuesday, the team was allowed to resume football activities.
“Supporting the student-athletes and the student body in general through this situation has been our priority, as evidenced by our support measures, and continuing to allow the team to play is a supportive measure,” Potenziano told the time.
Brunswick Police Chief Scott Stewart said on Tuesday that the Brunswick School Department provided police with documents related to their investigation, including a video of the alleged hazing incident. A detective was assigned to the police investigation last week.
Potenziano said he became aware of the hazing allegations on or around September 8 and that the incident occurred during a team retreat in August at Thomas Point Beach, a concert hall and field campsite in Brunswick.
On September 16, in a letter to parents of Brunswick High footballers, Potenziano announced that the school department had launched an investigation to “uncover any violation of school rules and determine appropriate action.”
Brunswick High footballers kneel in the end zone ahead of their game against Skowhegan on Friday night. Michael G. Seamans / Morning Sentry
Brunswick High School graduate Peter Tupper traveled to Skowhegan with his brother, James, to watch the Dragons game on Friday night.
“With the investigation going on, it’s something that’s going to come out at some point, but we’re here to support the kids,” said Peter Tupper. “The kids are here to play football and be as competitive as possible, and I think their minds are in the right place.
“I’m here to support each of these kids playing here tonight. It’s an unfortunate incident, I really don’t know much about it, but those who are on this pitch tonight are the children I support.
Kennebec Journal editor Drew Bonifant contributed to this report.
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