A former St. Joseph’s University baseball player has filed a lawsuit accusing the school, members of its coaching staff, and dozens of teammates of allowing a culture of hazing that allegedly escalated into physical assault and humiliation. The complaint, filed Monday and reviewed by the Daily Mail, paints a disturbing picture of alleged misconduct that the plaintiff claims was ignored despite warning signs and previous incidents within the program.
The plaintiff, who was 18 years old during his freshman season, alleges that St. Joseph’s University, head baseball coach Thomas Caputo, assistant coach Elliot Robles, and 30 unidentified teammates bear responsibility for what he describes as repeated hazing, bullying, physical assaults, retaliation, and institutional failures.
Alleged Baseball Hazing Culture
According to the lawsuit, the baseball program had developed a pattern of abusive behavior that coaching staff allegedly knew about before the incident at the center of the case. One alleged episode involved players being pressured to strip naked in front of teammates while covering themselves only with a plastic cup. The plaintiff says he refused to participate, although other teammates allegedly gave in to the pressure.
The lawsuit argues that the university and coaching staff permitted an environment where hazing became normalized rather than prevented. It claims that coaches acknowledged prior misconduct during earlier team trips but failed to implement meaningful safeguards.
The most serious allegations stem from the team’s March trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where St. Joseph’s was competing in a baseball game. During that trip, the plaintiff alleges he was forcibly attacked inside the team’s lodging.
Court filings claim teammates physically restrained him, placed dirty underwear over his face, and subjected him to intimidation and humiliation. The lawsuit states that the plaintiff feared for his safety and attempted to defend himself, leading to a physical altercation.
Investigation and Aftermath
Assistant coach Elliot Robles had reportedly informed players that regular room checks and supervision would take place throughout the trip. However, the lawsuit contends those promises were not fulfilled and that coaches failed to adequately monitor players despite allegedly being aware of previous violent behavior on road trips.
Following the incident, St. Joseph’s University conducted an internal investigation. According to the lawsuit, witness statements supported the plaintiff’s account of what occurred. Despite those findings, the complaint alleges that neither the university nor Coach Caputo disciplined the players responsible.
Instead, the lawsuit claims the plaintiff was pressured to accept responsibility for the confrontation and that the handling of the incident effectively ended his collegiate baseball experience.
Attorney Mike Della told reporters that his client, not the alleged attackers, was ultimately suspended following the altercation. Della also said the former player is transferring to another school after completing his freshman year and may choose to leave baseball entirely because of the experience.
University’s Response
St. Joseph’s University acknowledged that it is aware of the lawsuit but declined to discuss the specific allegations while the case remains pending.
“While we take concerns raised by members of our community seriously, this matter is currently the subject of pending litigation,” a university spokesperson said. “Out of respect for that process, we are not in a position to comment in detail on the allegations. The University strongly disagrees with the allegations and will address them through the appropriate legal process.”
The lawsuit further notes that St. Joseph’s Student Handbook expressly prohibits hazing and bans conduct that places students in danger or demonstrates disregard for another person’s rights, dignity, or well-being.
It also alleges that the Myrtle Beach incident was not an isolated event. According to the complaint, Coach Caputo told the plaintiff’s parents during the investigation that players in a previous season had attempted to kick down a hotel room door. The lawsuit additionally alleges that teammates had previously engaged in physically restraining other players against their will during team trips and that such conduct was known within the baseball program.
The case remains pending, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
