CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — An investigation launched after a freshman high school player in Tennessee was attacked by three teammates at a holiday basketball tournament has revealed "widespread, systemic problems going unaddressed at every level," in his county's public schools.The Hamilton County District Attorney's Office released the results of a joint investigation with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office on Thursday regarding allegations of hazing and bullying on Ooltewah High School's basketball team.
Gatlinburg police say three Ooltewah players assaulted a freshman teammate with a pool cue on Dec. 22. All were tried in juvenile court last month. One was convicted of aggravated rape, and all three were found guilty of aggravated assault.
The report released Thursday says "permissive coaches" and "an apathetic administration" allowed a culture of bullying.