Grand jury charges 10 in Cheltenham High School football hazing probe
Grand jury charged 10 in Cheltenham High School hazing case; school canceled football two seasons.
Event / Conflict
Cheltenham High School Hazing Scandal
Cheltenham High School's football program faced criminal charges and cancellation following a grand jury investigation into violent hazing of a 15-year-old sophomore in August and September 2025. Ten people including coaches and players were charged with assault, perjury, and evidence tampering. The school canceled football for 2025 and 2026.
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2026-08-14 to 2026-11-11 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 30 Jul, 01:48 UTC
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What happened
First hazing incident at Cheltenham High School on August 15
On August 15, multiple players restrained their teammate while others used a broomstick to poke at his legs and buttocks. Other players laughed and yelled with at least one person chanting 'broomstick him.' The incident was recorded by two students who were later charged; the videos were deleted but recovered by detectives.
Second hazing incident at Cheltenham High School on September 3
On September 3, a 15-year-old sophomore was punched, kicked, and stepped on in the head and groin with cleats after the team ran additional drills as punishment. The student was again poked with a broomstick and curled up to protect himself. He was later diagnosed with a contusion to his penis.
Cheltenham High School cancels football seasons for 2025 and 2026
Following the hazing incidents, Cheltenham High School canceled its football seasons for 2025 and 2026. The cancellation was announced on October 19 after the school's external investigation confirmed the student-on-student assault on September 3 and documented that 19 students witnessed it.
Coaches instructed student not to report assault to parents
After the September 3 incident, volunteer coach Ralph Burnley texted assistant coaches Darian McFadden and Benjamin Johnson and called head coach Terence Tolbert. The coaches told the student not to tell his mother about the assault. They did not immediately inform school administrators. Burnley texted 'This has to be handled and kept quiet. It's just like hazing.'
Player Isaiah Simpson charged as adult in hazing case
Isaiah Simpson, age 18, was charged as an adult with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and unlawful restraint in connection with the hazing incidents.
Player Josiah Peeler charged with lying to law enforcement
Josiah Peeler, age 18, was charged as an adult with lying to law enforcement in connection with the hazing incidents.
Grand jury investigation charges 10 people in Cheltenham High School football hazing
Following a grand jury investigation, four coaches and six players were charged in connection with football hazing allegations at Cheltenham High School. Charges include assault, unlawful restraint, perjury, and tampering with evidence related to two hazing incidents in August and September.
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