Newport Public Schools
Newport Public Schools

Newport police arrested a teenager Friday in connection with an assault on a special needs student at Rogers High School, and district officials announced they are ending the football season immediately following the incident.

Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain said in a letter to families Friday that the district became aware late Thursday evening of a video depicting the assault in the boys’ locker room.

Jermain said the video shows other players not intervening or reporting the incident to an adult.

The Rogers High School football team met Friday with the building principal, coach and athletic director. The football season ended immediately, and a junior varsity scrimmage scheduled for Thanksgiving Day was cancelled.

“This is a serious matter and there is no grey area when it comes to behavior like this,” Jermain wrote. “Those involved will face appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with our district policies.”

Capt. Joseph C. Carroll, the Newport Police Department’s public information officer, confirmed the arrest Friday afternoon.

Full statement from Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain.

(Newport Public Schools)

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