The Legal Herald Logo
Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News

Melbourne, FL - Coach Fired, Football Program & Students Suspended After Hazing at Viera High School

Melbourne, FL - Coach Fired, Football Program & Students Suspended After Hazing at Viera High School
Published: August 22, 2023
By: Darla Medina
Last Updated on August 22, 2023

High School Football Team in Florida Suspended After Hazing Incident

A high school football team in Florida has been suspended after a hazing incident involving several players. The incident occurred at Viera High School located at 6103 Stadium Pkwy, Melbourne, FL 32940, and involved members of the varsity football team.

According to a statement from the school district, the incident was reported to school officials on Saturday, August 20, 2023. The statement said that the video showed several members of the football team forcefully held down as other teammates simulated sex acts with the victim.

The school district has suspended all football activities for the team, and the head coach, Shane Staples, has been relieved of his duties related to the football program. The district is also investigating the incident and has said that it will take "appropriate disciplinary action" against those involved.

Hazing is a serious problem in high schools across the country. It can involve a variety of activities, including physical and emotional abuse, humiliation, and forced participation in dangerous or illegal activities. Hazing can have serious consequences, including physical injury, emotional trauma, and even death.

The school district said that it is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. "We will not tolerate hazing in any form," the statement said. "We are working to address this matter swiftly and thoroughly." Until further notice, the varsity and junior varsity activities are put on hold, and all players will have to partake in an anti-hazing educational program in addition to a parent-player team meeting. 

Michael Haggard Florida Lawyer
Hello, I’m attorney Michael Haggard. I am licensed to practice law in Florida. If you or a loved one needs legal assistance, I’d be happy to speak with you. Call me on the number below. It costs nothing, and it would be my honor to help you.
(888) 997-3792

Victims of High School Hazing: What Can They Do in a Civil Case?

In light of the Florida hazing incident, we sat down with Michael Haggard, Esq., a local Florida-based hazing lawyer, to learn what victims of hazing can do with a civil case against those accountable.

Darla Medina: Mr. Haggard, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I'm hoping you can shed some light on what victims of hazing can do with a civil case against those accountable.

Michael Haggard: Sure, I'm happy to help. Hazing is a serious problem, and it's important that victims know their rights. In Florida, victims of hazing can file a civil lawsuit against the individuals or organizations responsible for the hazing. The lawsuit can seek damages for the victim's physical and emotional injuries, as well as for any other losses they have suffered.

Darla Medina: Mr. Haggard, can a high school be held liable for a hazing incident?

Michael Haggard:  A high school can be held liable for a hazing incident if it knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to take steps to stop it. This is because the school has a duty to protect its students from harm. The school's liability will depend on the specific facts of the case. However, if the school is found liable, the victim could be awarded damages for their physical and emotional injuries, as well as for any other losses they have suffered.

Darla Medina: What are some of the things that victims of hazing need to prove in order to win a civil case?

Michael Haggard: They need to prove that they were hazed, that the hazing was intentional, and that it caused them harm. They also need to prove that the people or organizations responsible for the hazing were negligent.

Darla Medina: What are some of the challenges that victims of hazing face when trying to win a civil case?

Michael Haggard: One challenge is that hazing is often seen as a rite of passage or a bonding experience, and it can be difficult to convince a jury that it is actually harmful. Another challenge is that hazing can be difficult to prove. Often, there are no witnesses to the hazing, and the victim may be reluctant to come forward because they are afraid of retaliation.

Darla Medina: What advice would you give to victims of hazing who are considering filing a civil lawsuit?

Michael Haggard: I would advise them to speak to an attorney who specializes in hazing cases. An attorney can help them understand their legal rights and options, and they can also help them gather the evidence they need to win their case.

Darla Medina: Thank you for your time, Mr. Haggard. This has been very helpful.

Michael Haggard: You're welcome. I hope this information is helpful to victims of hazing to learn more about their options.

Sources:

Fox 35

Got A Tip Or Questions 
About A Story?
Call Us!
The Legal Herald
888-997-3792
About the Author
Darla Medina
About Darla Medina
Editor: Darla is a content writer with a focus on the legal field. She covers cases of sexual abuse, drunk driving, and preventable violent crime for the Legal Herald. Contact Darla: darla@eaglepeakmarketing.com This article was fact checked prior to publishing by this author to ensure compliance with our rigorous editorial standards. We will only use authoritative sources. Our values compel us to provide only trustworthy information. If you find an error, please contact us.
Read some recent posts
Find A Local Lawyer

  • Details
  • Incident
Want To Contribute Breaking News? 
Contact Us Today
Legal Herald Logoinfo@legalherald.com
10355 Kensington Shore Dr. #102
Orlando, FL 32827
Call: (888) 997-3792
© 2020 The Legal Herald, a division of Eagle Peak Marketing, LLC. All rights reserved.

We would like our readers to know that the information in this story may be sourced from secondary sources and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will correct them if and when they are brought to our attention or we discover them through our editing process. If you have any concerns about this post, please contact us immediately and we will rectify issues. DISCLAIMER: The material contained in this post is for general informational purposes. It is not intended to constitute or express legal or medical advice. Any laws referenced herein are substantially based on general legal principles and may not be applicable to your particular situation. Laws can often be different from one jurisdiction to the next. The Legal Herald is not a law firm. Law firms and lawyers from around the country may apply to become a sponsor or contributor to The Legal Herald.
SitemapMedia RoomDisclaimer / Terms Of Service & Privacy Policy