NORTH SMITHFIELD – In testimony that was at times angry and at others emotional, a group of players from the North Smithfield High School football team spoke to members of the School Committee this week, saying the hazing allegations that led to suspension of the program last month are false, and that they deserve an apology.
North Smithfield Police Chief Tim Lafferty, meanwhile, has issued a statement calling the investigation of the allegations, “very active,” and stating that the lack of information shared with the players and the community thus far, “is to protect the integrity of the case and paramountly protect any potential victims and cooperating witnesses from being publicly identified and/or fearful to come forward.”
For the players, who saw the start of their season come to a sudden halt nearly a month ago and their supporters, it seems the statement wasn’t nearly enough.
“We were blasted in front of the entire school and the entire community,” said player Zackary Kerrigan. “People are literally afraid of is. People have blocked us on social media… stopped talking to us.”
On Friday, June 24, Supt. Michael St. Jean sent a letter to parents on the decision to immediately halt all practices, workouts and games, also prohibiting the players from participating in other school sports, following what he called a “serious,” allegation of hazing. NRI NOW broke the story after a recipient shared the communication, in a controversy that has since been published by news...
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