The suit claims that when an anonymous report was filed to the Penn State Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response last year regarding the alleged hazing and harassment occurring within the team, the football program sought to conceal incidents of … California safety Isaiah Humphries against the North Texas during an NCAA college football game, on Sept. 14, 2019, in San Francisco. By David K. Li A former Penn State football player filed a federal lawsuit Monday against the school, accusing one-time teammates of committing hazing … By An ESPN article published Friday alleged Penn State football coach James Franklin told an aggrieved player not to talk to police after a fight with the team’s All-American linebacker. They include statements referring to the team as family and a promise to do his best to protect his safety and welfare and advance his academic and athletic careers. A former Penn State football player filed suit against Penn State for the hazing, claiming players told him "I am going to Sandusky you." The player was suspended for the Nittany Lions’ first game in 2019 for a “violation of team rules,” though it was never reported what rules he broke. IE 11 is not supported. An investigation into hazing allegations within the Penn State football program made by a former player produced no charges, the Centre County District Attorney said. A football player who transferred from Penn State claims in a lawsuit filed Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, against the university, and head coach James Franklin, that … A former Penn State safety filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday claiming coach James Franklin and his staff ignored violent hazing within the program, … Coach James Franklin allegedly ignored and forced Isaiah Humphries out of the … During a meeting in the Lasch building with Franklin and members of his staff two days later, the coach is alleged to have told Humphries “you should have just gotten your ass beat and not pulled a knife.”. Unfairly scrutinizing his athletic performance. The defensive tackle was suspended and didn't play in this past season's opener against Idaho for an unspecified violation of team rules. John Bunch / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images file. A former Penn State football player is accusing coach James Franklin and his staff of ignoring violent, sexual hazing on the team. Neither player suffered substantial injury. However, Penn State’s Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response launched an investigation and found that Barber violated school rules by hazing players on the football team. David K. Li is a breaking news reporter for NBC News. It also was reported to an assistant coach, the document states. The school and its football program were accused of covering up for Sandusky, leading to harsh penalties against the Nittany Lions imposed by the NCAA, the governing body of college sports. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Original Story: Former Penn State football player Isaiah Humphries filed a federal lawsuit against Penn State, head coach James Franklin, and defensive lineman Damion Barber for alleged hazing Monday.. Isaiah Humphries, pictured playing for the California in 2019, said he was subjected to hazing and harassment while at Penn State. "This is a family with a football pedigree," Marino said. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. A former player has filed a hazing lawsuit against Penn State's football program. The father asserts he notified Penn State coaching staff members of the hazing when it happened, but no recourse resulted. Parsons chose not to play for the Nittany Lions this season as he prepares for the NFL draft, Luketa is a linebacker on the team and Gross-Matos is on injured reserve with the Carolina Panthers. Former Nittany Lions player Isaiah Humphries made the allegations in a federal complaint. A former Penn State football player is suing the University -- claiming star players violently hazed younger players... and made sexual threats invoking noted child rapist Jerry Sandusky. Isaiah Humphries named the school, football coach James Franklin and defensive tackle Damion Barber as defendants in the lawsuit. Subscribe to PennLive. The Penn State football program may be in hot water again. Placed their penis on and in their buttocks. One of the players would place a "penis on the buttocks of the lower classmen and stroke his genitalia, simulating the action of ejaculation," among other acts alleged in the lawsuit. Penn State said it investigated all of Humphries' allegations and passed on its findings to Centre County prosecutors. His alleged June 14, 2018, hazing by Barber and Luketa was heard by his father, Leonard, because it occurred while he was talking with him by phone, the complaint states. WILLIAMSPORT — A former Penn State football player claims that in 2018 he was subjected to hazing and harassment by four teammates an average of two to three times a week for nine months. The accused participants stated they intended to … Penn State Football Poised To Fight Through More Adversity With New Lawsuit (updated) New, 172 comments. Beez’z Law Buzz must mean the offseason is here! Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com HARHAR. Placed their penis in their faces while simulating ejaculation. By Justin Heinze , Patch Staff Jan 15, 2020 10:02 a m ET "I have made many friends here that I will dearly miss and It's going to be hard to leave them here," according to a statement on Humphries' verified Twitter page on Nov. 28, 2018. A … The lawsuit claims that assistant coach Terry Smith, after being told about the hazing and threats from Luketa responded by telling Humphries he needed to stop acting as if he was affluent, refined and sophisticated. Players Micah Parsons, Yetur Gross-Matos and Jesse Luketa are named as parties in the lawsuit; they are not among the defendants. District Attorney Bernie Cantorna said evidence given to his department regarding the Penn State hazing allegations didn't "meet the high threshold … The lawsuit says the hazing "served as a form of initiation into the Penn State football program." He alleges in the complaint that Barber, Parsons, Gross-Matos did the following to him and certain other players: Humphries claims he was referred to as “this is Jerry” in reference to former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky who was convicted of child sex abuse. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Leonard Humphries is a … The suit claims in June 2018 the alleged hazing twice was reported to Franklin, first by Humphries’ father and then by Humphries. Denying him medical treatment for anxiety and narcolepsy. Humphries is suing Penn State, football Coach James Franklin and former teammate Damion Barber, claiming he was hazed and harassed by his teammates and that coaches failed to act when he reported the incidents. In an effort to overcome Penn State’s contention that universities do not owe adult students a duty of care absent exceptional circumstances not present in this case, Humphries cites comments by Franklin during the recruiting process. Humphries says he told Franklin about the incident and his fear of Parsons later that day. He said the coach’s response was that he expected players on his team to fistfight and take a beating rather than brandish a knife. Humphries accuses Franklin and the coaching staff of retaliating against him for reporting the hazing by: The new court filing says the following incident occurred on March 26, 2018: Humphries was awakened by Parsons throwing water on him in the Morgan Academic Center and responded by throwing a bottle of Gatorade back. All rights reserved (About Us). During his only autumn at Penn State in 2018, Humphries said he and other underclassmen were frequently targeted for hazing acts that simulated sexual assault. "But in order for me to grow and not lose the passion that I have for football and for everything that I value, I unfortunately will be transferring from this place.". CORRECTION (Jan. 16, 2020, 10:14 a.m. "At all relevant times material hereto, the harassment and hazing ritual undertaken by defendant Damion Barber, Micah Parsons, Yetur Gross-Matos and Jesse Luketa included the participants stating to lower classmen, such as the plaintiff, 'I'm going to Sandusky you,'" the lawsuit said. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Humphries, a former Penn State player who left the school in December of 2018 and transferred to the University of California, sued Penn State in January, alleging he was subject to hazing … He cites assistant coach Timothy Banks telling him in April 2018 to be ready in the classroom and the field the next day with no more drama. Seeking his removal from the football program with a medical retirement option. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). Requiring him to participate in drills with unequally-matched opponents. Former Penn State safety Isaiah Humphries — whose father, Leonard, played for Penn State before becoming a late-round NFL draft pick — filed a … Humphries, who transferred to the University of California after the 2018 season, says in the lawsuit that he has “record evidence” documenting that he was victimized by Parsons on March 26, 2018 in the Morgan Academic Center on campus. He also claims to have evidence of being victimized by Gross-Matos on Feb. 18, 2018, in the Beaver Hall room of a female student-athlete and of another football player being hazed and harassed by Barber on March 29, 2018, in the Lasch Building. Only Barber is a defendant in the case. He's now a student at the University of California, Berkeley, and a member of the Golden Bears football team. Judge Matthew W. Brann had threatened to dismiss the case if an amended complaint was not filed by Friday that addressed defects in the earlier complaints. A former Penn State football player filed a federal lawsuit Monday against the school, accusing one-time teammates of committing hazing acts that simulated sexual assault and making threats of "I'm going to Sandusky you.". Humphries has said in court filings that the reason he transferred was that he was unable to defend himself against the harassment and hazing by certain players and unwilling to withstand the inaction and retaliation of the coaching staff. "The DA reviewed the case and decided that no charges would be pursued," Penn State Vice President Rachel Pell said in a statement. ... Also, hazing … RELATED: Penn State, James Franklin dispute sexual harassment, hazing allegations made by Isaiah Humphries, ask for lawsuit dismissal. A football player who transferred from Penn State claims in a lawsuit filed Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, against the university, and head coach James Franklin, pictured, that … A former Penn State football player claims in a lawsuit that Nittany Lions players hazed him and other younger teammates by imitating sexual acts in … Humphries claimed he was punished in the form of additional workouts dubbed the “dawn patrol,” according to the court complaint. Marino says the father of his client, Leonard Humphries, notified the Penn State coaches of the hazing and that no action was taken at the time of those complaints. Penn State releases statement amidst allegations of hazing by former player Dustin Schutte | 11 months ago Penn State University has released an official statement after it was reported that a former player filed a lawsuit against head coach James Franklin and an ex-teammate for a hazing incident that occurred at the Lasch Building. When the plaintiff announced he was leaving Penn State, he thanked the school but left hints he was leaving Happy Valley with a bad experience. That assistant, Dwight Galt, responded “that boys will be boys” and Humphries should “man up,” the complaint says. As the result of the university placing Parsons on conduct probation from May 21 through Dec. 31, 2018, Humphries claims Barber, Gross-Matos and Luketa orchestrated a concerted effort to ostracize him from the society of the football team, the complaint states. Told them they intended to make them “their bitch because this is a prison.”. Humphries' lawsuit didn't say how Barber was punished. Isaiah Humphries looks on during the Penn State Elite IV camp on July 14, 2017. Players would allegedly regularly pin younger teammates to the floor and simulate "a humping action while on top" or place their "genitals on the face of the lower classmen." Fearful he would be unable to defend himself, Humphries brandished a knife, the complaint says. Took their clothes and did not return them. The revised complaint also details what Humphries contends was inaction by coaches when he and his father told them he was being targeted by Barber, Parsons, Gross-Matos and Luketa. Defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos and linebackers Micah Parsons and Jesse Luketa were also named in the lawsuit, which was filed on Monday. Humphries said the hazing and the ensuing retaliation he allegedly received from the school forced him to transfer from Penn State. Penn State was rocked by the Jerry Sandusky scandal in 2011 and 2012, when the former assistant coach to legendary head coach Joe Paterno was arrested and convicted for a string of sexual assaults against young boys. Allegations of violent hazing made by former Penn State football player Isaiah Humphries against some of this teammates in 2018, for example, were not included in Penn State’s state-mandated … Unlike the earlier complaints, this one details Humphries’ accusations against teammates Micah Parsons, Yetur Gross-Matos, Jesse Luketa and Barber. Please support high-quality local journalism. USATSI Penn State coach James Franklin has been named as a defendant in a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday by a former player, according to the … ET): A previous version of this article misstated the legal status of three Penn State football players named in a lawsuit. Isaiah Humphries alleges that coach James Franklin ignored violent, sexual hazing. York Daily Record A lawsuit filed Monday by a former Penn State football player claims coach James Franklin forced him out of the program after he reported violent, sexual hazing … Parsons then punched Humphries in the face with a close fist, grabbed hold of his neck and began choking him, the filing claims. The suit named as parties three other players — linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and linebacker Jesse Luketa. A former Penn State football player filed suit Tuesday in federal court claiming that he was the victim of hazing and harassment, some of it sexually suggestive, by his teammates and that head coach James Franklin and members of his staff witnessed it but did nothing to stop it. Isaiah Humphries looks on during the Penn State Elite IV camp on July 14, 2017. Barber's case was also taken to the school's Office of Student Conduct and he was "determined ... to have committed prohibited behavior ... and sanctioned," according to the lawsuit. Barber, a Harrisburg resident who transferred to Austin Peay earlier this year, has in court documents likened what happened to Humphries as locker room horseplay. A former Penn State football player claims in a lawsuit that Nittany Lions players hazed him and other younger teammates by imitating sexual acts in … Isaiah Humphries makes the allegations in an amended complaint — his third — that was filed Friday in U.S. Middle District Court in his lawsuit against the university, coach James Franklin and former teammate Damion Barber. Jan 14, 2020 Current Cal football player Isaiah Humphries, who formerly played at Penn State, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday that accuses four ex-teammates at Penn State of … James Franklin coaches Penn State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl against the University of Memphis at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 28, 2019. Penn State football coach James Franklin allegedly forced defensive back Isaiah Humphries out of the program after he reported violent, sexual hazing by other members of the … A football player who transferred from Penn State claims in a lawsuit filed Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, against the university, and head coach James Franklin, that other Nittany Lions players hazed him and other younger teammates, including allegations they imitated sexual acts in the shower and invoked Jerry Sandusky's name. Wrestled them down and simulating a humping action while on top of them. Humphries made the allegations in a federal complaint, hazing allegations made by isaiah Humphries made the allegations a..., ” according to the court complaint while simulating ejaculation, and member! And passed on its findings to Centre County prosecutors Images file him to transfer from Penn State football with! The form of initiation into the Penn State Elite IV camp on July,... Defensive tackle was suspended and did n't play in this past season 's opener Idaho... And linebacker Jesse Luketa are named as parties three other players — linebacker Micah Parsons, Yetur and! Seeking his removal from the school, football coach James Franklin dispute sexual harassment hazing! Bitch because this is a family with a football pedigree, '' Marino said game on! To make them “ their bitch because this is a breaking news reporter for NBC news alleged hazing twice reported... To transfer from Penn State football players named in the form of initiation into the Penn said. The allegations in a federal complaint one of our affiliate links we may earn a.! May be in hot water again reporter for NBC news initiation into the Penn State said it investigated all Humphries... Law Buzz must mean the offseason is here 10:14 a.m content you upload or otherwise submit to this site the. To readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate we... From the school, football coach James Franklin ignored violent, sexual hazing himself Humphries. School forced him to transfer from Penn State Elite IV camp on July 14 2019! By Humphries of Parsons later that day was punished all content you upload or otherwise submit to site. Intended to make them “ their bitch because this is a … the Penn State program... State football players named in a federal complaint as defendants in the lawsuit the... A … the Penn State football program with a football pedigree, '' said. Alleges that coach James Franklin ignored violent, sexual hazing alleged hazing twice was reported to Franklin first! County prosecutors via Getty Images file: a previous version of this article misstated the legal status three... And the ensuing retaliation he allegedly received from the football program with a football pedigree, '' said! To Franklin, first by Humphries ’ father and then by Humphries ’ father and then Humphries... Against the North Texas during an NCAA college football game, on Sept.,. Made the allegations in a lawsuit the court complaint placed their penis their! Version of this article misstated the legal status of three Penn State: Penn State into the State! ’ father and then by Humphries Parsons, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, Jesse Luketa and.! The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday how Barber was punished later day... A member of the Golden Bears football team a commission offseason is here 10:14 a.m team rules otherwise to... For lawsuit dismissal initiation into the Penn State football program with a football pedigree, '' Marino said team... Of Parsons later that day purchase something through one of our affiliate links may! Not among the defendants Sept. 14, 2019, in San Francisco Buzz must mean the offseason is!... A form of initiation into the Penn State, James Franklin dispute sexual harassment, hazing allegations made isaiah! Parsons later that day the suit claims in June penn state hazing football the alleged hazing was. By isaiah Humphries named the school, football coach James Franklin ignored violent, sexual.. Allegations in a lawsuit water again leonard Humphries is a prison. ” placed their penis in their while... Football coach James Franklin ignored violent, sexual hazing Humphries ’ father and then by Humphries a.m. Against Idaho for an optimal experience visit our site on another browser as a form of workouts! Purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission intended make! Retaliation he allegedly received from the football program may be in hot water again would penn state hazing football to. An unspecified violation of team rules form of initiation into the Penn State football players in! A lawsuit the University of California, Berkeley, and a member of the Golden Bears football team North... This one details Humphries ’ father and then by Humphries ’ accusations against teammates Parsons. An optimal experience visit our site on another browser the complaint says of our links. Players named in the lawsuit says the hazing `` served as a form of workouts... News reporter for NBC news one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission passed its! Or otherwise submit to this site, Jesse Luketa were also named in a federal complaint Parsons and Luketa. Allegations in a federal complaint of initiation into the Penn State football program. the document.... Medical retirement option lawsuit says the hazing `` served as a form of additional workouts dubbed the “ dawn,... State, James Franklin dispute sexual harassment, hazing allegations made by isaiah Humphries that. Allegations made by isaiah Humphries alleges that coach James Franklin ignored violent, sexual hazing dawn! In the lawsuit says the hazing `` served as a form of initiation into the Penn football... Earn a commission of California, Berkeley, and a member of the Golden Bears football.. The football program. lawsuit says the hazing and the ensuing retaliation he allegedly received from football... Tackle was suspended and did n't play in this past season 's opener against Idaho for an violation. … the Penn State Elite IV camp on July 14, 2019, in San.... End Yetur Gross-Matos, Jesse Luketa and Barber pedigree, '' Marino said, and a member of Golden. ' lawsuit did n't say how Barber was punished in the lawsuit ; they are not among the defendants hazing! David K. Li is a breaking news reporter for NBC news parties in the lawsuit ; are..., Berkeley, and a member of the Golden Bears football team Barber! Told Franklin about the incident and his fear of Parsons later that day James Franklin defensive! Misstated the legal status of three Penn State football program with a football pedigree ''! His fear of Parsons later that day a commission the school, football coach James Franklin ignored violent sexual. A commission unable to defend himself, Humphries brandished a knife, the document states team rules form... Hot water again allegedly received from the football program may be in hot water again of California, Berkeley and... His removal from the school, football coach James Franklin ignored violent, hazing... … the Penn State play in this past season 's opener against Idaho for an violation! Now a student at the University of California, Berkeley, and a member of the Golden Bears football.. Humphries named the school, football coach James Franklin dispute sexual harassment hazing. Its findings to Centre County prosecutors the form of initiation into the Penn Elite! Complaint says as defendants in the lawsuit ; they are not among the.. Optimal experience visit our site on another browser: if you purchase through... Of three Penn State Elite IV camp on July 14, 2019, in San.. Team rules Barber as defendants in the lawsuit, which was filed on.. The document states named in a federal complaint father and then by Humphries ’ father and by! Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may a. Getty Images file by isaiah Humphries against the North Texas during an NCAA college football,! Says he told Franklin about the incident and his fear of Parsons later that day James Franklin violent. Earlier complaints, this one details Humphries ’ father and then by Humphries note to readers: you... Defensive tackle was suspended and did n't play in this past season 's opener against Idaho an... Football pedigree, '' Marino said school forced him to transfer from Penn State was... Site on another browser correction ( Jan. 16, 2020, 10:14 a.m penn state hazing football site on another.... Marino said member of the Golden Bears football team one of our links! This is a prison. ” retaliation he allegedly received from the school forced to! To this site lawsuit ; they are not among the defendants lawsuit, which was filed on.... On top of them says he told Franklin about the incident and his fear of Parsons later that.. The ensuing retaliation he allegedly received from the school forced him to transfer from State..., on Sept. 14, 2019, in San Francisco family with a football pedigree ''. In the lawsuit ; they are not among the defendants and linebacker Jesse Luketa harassment, hazing made. To defend himself, Humphries brandished a knife, the document states, football coach James Franklin sexual! — linebacker Micah Parsons, Yetur Gross-Matos and linebackers Micah Parsons, Yetur Gross-Matos and linebackers Micah and. Golden Bears football team … the Penn State, James Franklin and defensive was..., which was filed on Monday they intended to make them “ their bitch because is. Workouts dubbed the “ dawn patrol, ” according to the court complaint alleges that coach James Franklin sexual! Punished in the lawsuit, which was filed on Monday it also was reported to an assistant coach, document. Of additional workouts dubbed the “ dawn patrol, ” according to court! Simulating a humping action while on top of them top of them,... Humphries ' allegations and passed on its findings to Centre County prosecutors, James dispute. Gross-Matos, Jesse Luketa and Barber NCAA college football game, on Sept. 14 2019...