Dedham HS football returns to field after hazing allegations

DEDHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- The Dedham High School football team took the field Friday night -- the first time since allegations of hazing surfaced earlier this week.

Dedham High's first possession of the ball almost turned into a touchdown, but the talk all week has been the accusations of hazing -- even a possible sexual assault involving at least four football players on the team.

"If what I heard happened, it's outrageous. You never know what really happened. If it did, then they should be punished,” said Stephen Cullen, a resident.

Parents say they are hearing that one of the older players sexually assaulted one of the younger players. It's not clear how the other three players are involved, but prosecutors say four are facing charges.

Police and the school are not saying any more, since the students are underage.

Ann Marie’s grandson is a senior on the team.

"He doesn't really know. He doesn't know who the boys were, supposedly they were on the football team, but he doesn't even know who they were,” she said.

But Ann Marie says if the allegations are true, they must be held accountable.

“So if they did it, if they did it…they should suffer the consequences,” she said.

Frank Mahoney played on the field for Dedham High as a senior last year.

He says he's heard the disturbing details about what may or may not have happened.

"I think it was wrong if that's what happened, but I think the full story should be heard. I don't think people should be accusing or jumping on one person without hearing both sides,” said Frank Mahoney, former Dedham football player.

If convicted of violating the state’s anti-hazing, anti-bullying policy, the students could face up to a $3,000 fine or even up to a year in prison.