LISBON – Lisbon Police Chief Rick Scott confirmed Wednesday the father of a Lisbon High School wrestler has filed a police report surrounding allegations of bullying by senior members of the high school’s wrestling team.
Scott says the investigation is ongoing and the police department is working with the Linn County attorney’s office on how to proceed with potential charges.
Until the investigation is complete, Scott says he could not give any further comment on the matter.
The father, who wishes to remain anonymous while the investigation continues, says he’s contacted his own attorney and is prepared to take legal action.
He says, about a month ago, at least four senior boys on the wrestling team attacked his son in the locker room, held him down, urinated on him and put genitalia in his son’s face. He says his son did not come forward until the boys allegedly threatened him again last week.
This happened around the same time the high school unexpectedly canceled two wrestling practices and a meet in Delhi.
“I feel like they’re trying to hide it,” he told TV9 on Tuesday, “Sweep it under the rug, when my son was assaulted, in what I feel is, a sexual way.”
When asked about the canceled meet and practices, Superintendent Brad Laures told reporters the school was investigating a “student behavior issue.”
Then on Tuesday, wrestling coaches, the athletic director and superintendent met with the wrestlers and their parents at the high school to discuss standards and conduct for student athletes.
Following the meeting, Laures said the district takes accusations of bullying or harassment seriously, but could not elaborate further.
On Wednesday, Laures released a new statement saying, “I am confident in the ability of our wrestling team to move forward and conduct themselves as responsible citizens, students, and competitors. Our coaches, students, administrators, and parents are committed to this. Our mission, as an educational institution, is to teach and guide our students, whether they are in the classroom, in the gym, on the stage, on an athletic field, or in life. I am 100% confident that the recent concerns have been handled appropriately, firmly, and in a fair manner. We will remain vigilant to see that our school is a safe school for all students.”
Laures added he cannot discuss any disciplinary actions taken against any student due to student privacy policies.
Another parent also contacted TV9 anonymously on Wednesday. This parent claims to also be seeking help from an attorney and possibly taking legal action in regards to this most recent instance of alleged bullying as well as past instances, the parent says, involving members of the wrestling team.
This story should be on the front page not the inside sports page. This is bullying at it’s worst. This whole story stinks of cover up just like the Penn State Sandusky case only on a Highschool level. I predict many job openings at the Lisbon Community Schools. Starting at the TOP.