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The boys' lacrosse coach at Westhill High School in Syracuse, Aaron Cahill, is addressing a hazing incident involving 11 of his players. The players are accused of staging a fake kidnapping of five younger teammates, leading to charges of unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor. The incident occurred on April 24, when older players tricked the younger ones into thinking they were going to McDonald's after a game. Instead, they were taken to a remote area, where accomplices dressed in black pretended to be kidnappers. One victim was tied up and put in a car trunk before being abandoned in another wooded area.
According to CNN, the suspects turned themselves in within 48 hours of an ultimatum from District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, avoiding more serious charges. The players face school suspension hearings and potential legal consequences, with some eligible for Youthful Offender Status, which could seal their records.
Coach Cahill expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating on his LinkedIn page, "The pain and hurt this has caused is very real, and no one should ever have to endure this." He emphasized that the coaching staff had no prior knowledge of the hazing and condemned the actions as unrepresentative of the team's values. The school's superintendent, Steve Dunham, announced the cancellation of the lacrosse season in response to the incident.
As reported by WSYR-TV, Cahill stated, "Our program is built on inclusion, kindness, and accountability." He reiterated the coaching staff's full cooperation with the investigation and their commitment to supporting the affected families and community.
CNYCentral reports that the case highlights the balance between rehabilitation and punishment for young offenders. The incident remains under investigation, with further legal proceedings expected.