NBC 10 obtained two emails sent to parents on Friday where Superintendent Michael St. Jean said the school was first notified of the alleged hazing on June 20.
According to St. Jean, the alleged hazing involves players from the football team during the 2021-2022 school year.
St. Jean stated the football team is suspended from holding any team practices, workouts and games.
In an effort to be cautious, North Smithfield football players are also prohibited from taking part in any other school-based athletics.
Details surrounding the allegations have not been made public.
Superintendent St. Jean said in an email, “We have directed the school district’s attorney to begin the process of engaging the services of an outside, independent firm to conduct a thorough investigation, the results of which will be made public upon completion.”
NBC 10 also received a statement from the North Smithfield School Committee. Chairman James Lombardi replied, “I’ve been made aware of very serious allegations of hazing involving a high school team. I support the superintendent suspending the program activities until a complete investigation is conducted by law enforcement.”
NBC 10 reached out to the North Smithfield High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, but did not receive additional information.
The football team is a Co-Op with Mount St Charles. President Alan Tenreiro said in an email statement, “I was informed by the Superintendent of NS that no Mount Saint Charles student athletes are involved in the investigation at this time as it allegedly took place when our students were not present. Of course, if necessary, Mount will cooperate with any investigation,” he said.
North Smithfield police, the Attorney General and the Department of Children, Youth and Families are all involved in the ongoing investigation.
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office asks anyone with information or knowledge regarding these allegations to contact Detective Chito of the North Smithfield Police Department at 401-762-1212 ext. 225.
