High school sex scandal snares 5 on DeMatha football team (VIDEO)
DeMatha Catholic High School principal Daniel McMahon says he’s standing behind his coach, staff and football team after five players became embroiled in a sex scandal.
DeMatha Catholic High School principal Daniel McMahon says he’s standing behind his coach, staff and football team after five players became embroiled in a sex scandal.
The Washington Post first reported that the players allegedly hired prostitutes and brought them into a hotel room after an away game last Friday.
“The school stands behind our coach, Elijah Brooks, his staff, the school staff who monitored the trip, and our students,” McMahon said on the school website. “The school community is saddened and hurt by the actions of these few who do not reflect the character of the community.”
The school learned of the incident on Tuesday.
“We come from a faith tradition that emphasizes that we tell the truth and support one another. I cannot, either legally or morally, speak to any disciplinary matters.”
McMahon said 18 adults chaperoned DeMatha’s 65-player team during its trip to North Carolina.
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After the Stags defeated Hillside Durham 52-14, hallway and room checks occurred at 1:30 and 4:30 am, McMahon said.
According to the Post, players hired prostitutes from an escort service website and snuck them into the hotel at 5 am.
The school removed two players from the team, recommended removal for two others and set up disciplinary action against a fifth, The Post reported.
“My concern is, where were the coaches and chaperones and how did this happen?” one parent told The Post. “These are boys. You should have been on them, knocking on their doors. … Why are there [18] coaches at this hotel and kids are able to sneak three prostitutes in at 5 am?”
DeMatha’s athletic program is well known in the US for its strong athletic programs.
The Hyattsville, Maryland school returns to the field tonight.
USA Today ranks the football team fifth in the US, while The Washington Post puts them seventh.
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