Alleged violent hazing incident at NFA cancels homecoming football game, postpones related activities

Sources tell News 12 that multiple football players and possibly a coach are at the center of an internal investigation that prompted the district to cancel some football games as of last Friday, including their upcoming homecoming game, and postpone their homecoming dance and pep rally.

Blaise Gomez

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Oct 31, 2024, 9:33 PM

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Updated 55 days ago

An alleged violent hazing incident at Newburgh Free Academy has canceled several junior varsity and varsity football games and postponed their homecoming festivities.

Sources tell News 12 that multiple football players and possibly a coach are at the center of an internal investigation that prompted the district to cancel some football games as of last Friday, including their upcoming homecoming game, and postpone their homecoming dance and pep rally.

The Newburgh Enlarged City School District isn’t revealing exactly what happened although they say it wasn’t sexual in nature but is serious and requires attention.

Superintendent Jackielyn Campbell-Manning issued a statement saying, “Unfortunately, the actions of a few individuals are negatively impacting those who consistently choose to do the right thing. We fully anticipate celebrating our fall athletes when the time is more appropriate.”

City of Newburgh police say so far, they’re not involved in the probe because the incident has not been referred to them by the school and no parents have come forward with a complaint.

Residents News 12 spoke to say they’re glad players accused of wrongdoing are being held accountable but disagree with making changes that impact everyone else.

“I don’t think it’s fair to the kids who weren’t involved. It’s like a group punishment. i think they should investigate first and then judge it from there,” says Ines Torres, whose children graduated from Newburgh schools.

The school held a meeting with parents on Wednesday ahead of announcing the changes.

“I don’t think it was the right decision to make,” says former NFA athlete, Michael Alcerro.

The junior varsity season ends this week, and the district says a decision about the rest of the varsity football season will be made pending the outcome of the probe.

District officials say the pep rally has been rescheduled to Nov. 13 and that the homecoming dance will be held Nov. 14.

Newburgh’s canceled games this week were against Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie.

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