A grand jury in Montgomery County has released a report that lays out a disturbing sequence of assaults and cover‑up attempts within the football program at Cheltenham High School, a suburban Philadelphia institution.
Allegations and Charges
The investigation identified four former coaches — Kevin Steele, Brian Scriven, Ralph Burnley and Terence Tolbert — along with six current players, including Darian 'DJ' McFadden, Benjamin Johnson III, Isaiah Simpson and Josiah Peeler, as participants in the misconduct.
According to the report, the victims, a 15‑year‑old teammate, was repeatedly punched, kicked and stomped, with one incident captured on video showing a broomstick being used as a weapon, resulting in severe injuries to his genital area.
Prosecutors allege that the coaching staff conspired to conceal the abuse to preserve the upcoming season, leading to charges of endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy to endanger the welfare of a child.
Season Suspended
In response to the findings, the Cheltenham School District announced the cancellation of the remainder of the football season, citing the need to protect student safety and restore confidence in the athletic program.
The district, which operates under the website cheltenham.org, has cooperated fully with law enforcement and expressed commitment to implementing stricter oversight of extracurricular activities.
The grand jury’s recommendations include a call for state legislation that would designate hazing as a reportable offense for mandated reporters, aiming to prevent similar abuses in future seasons.
Local officials and advocacy groups have echoed the call, emphasizing that the case underscores a broader crisis of accountability in high school sports culture.