Four coaches, six players charged in Cheltenham hazing

Ten people, including four coaches and six players, have been criminally charged following a grand jury investigation into two violent hazing assaults against a 15-year-old teammate in the Cheltenham High School football locker room in 2025, authorities announced on July 29, 2026.

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office detailed charges ranging from assault and unlawful restraint to endangering the welfare of children and perjury. The incidents, which occurred on August 15 and September 3, 2025, involved the victim being restrained, punched, kicked, and stomped with cleats on his head and groin. Prosecutors said he was also prodded with a broomstick during both attacks.

District Attorney Kevin Steele stated that the assaults were recorded by two juvenile players. In the recovered footage, multiple players are seen holding the sophomore down while another uses a broomstick to poke at his legs and buttocks as others laugh and chant. Approximately 19 student witnesses were present during at least one of the assaults and did not intervene, according to the investigation.

The case came to light after the victim reported the September 3 attack to volunteer coach Ralph Burnley,...