Seton Hall Hazing Left Teen Bloody and Betrayed
When a promising young pitcher accepted a scholarship to play Division I baseball at Seton Hall, he imagined dugouts, victories, and maybe even a shot at the majors. What he didn't expect was being body-slammed by an older teammate, bleeding in a locker room, and walking away from his dreams just weeks into his college career. Now, that former player has filed a federal lawsuit against the university, its longtime coach, and several unnamed teammates — thrusting one of college baseball's most respected programs into a legal and cultural firestorm.
Allegations of Abuse and Silence
Filed in Long Island federal court, the lawsuit reportedly describes a disturbing culture of violent hazing within Seton Hall's baseball team. Allegations include forced nudity, sexual humiliation, and physical assault — all conducted while head coach Rob Sheppard allegedly looked the other way, according to the lawsuit.
The former freshman said it started the day he arrived on campus in August 2024. He was 17 years old when, according to the suit, older teammates told him to strip in front of the team. One player reportedly said, "We've got to see what you've got down there," prompting laughter as the teen complied, according to the New York Post.
The hazing quickly escalated. Just after Labor Day weekend, the teen was allegedly forced to wrestle a much older teammate in a makeshift locker room ring. He says he was slammed, choked, and left spitting blood — injuries he claims dashed his dreams of going pro.
According to the New York Post, the lawsuit also claims the player was subjected to a disturbing locker room ritual called "Lotus," where another team member was allegedly forced to lie naked and masturbate in front of teammates.
While the plaintiff says he was able to avoid participating, he was reportedly ridiculed for refusing.
From Locker Room to Courtroom
The teen said he reported the abuse to Coach Sheppard, who allegedly responded with reassurances that hazing was not tolerated at Seton Hall. But according to the lawsuit, no disciplinary action was taken, and the alleged abuse continued.
After speaking up, the player says he was called a "rat" by teammates and mocked in team group chats, according to the New York Post.
He left Seton Hall in October 2024 — just two months into the semester — and, because of NCAA transfer rules, was forced to enroll at a Division III school, costing him a year of eligibility.
"This deliberate indifference not only shattered lives but exposed a shameful failure to protect those they promised to uplift" said attorney Mark Shirian, who filed the federal lawsuit on the player's behalf, according to the New York Post.
The lawsuit seeks at least $1 million in compensatory damages and additional punitive damages. It cites violations of New Jersey's anti-hazing law, negligence, battery, emotional distress, and Title IX. The suit argues that hazing of male athletes was permitted. In contrast, female athletes were protected, creating what it describes as a hostile environment.
School's Response
Seton Hall has not responded to individual claims but released a statement, according to CBS News, saying, "Seton Hall is firmly committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment."
The university said it hired a third-party investigator earlier in the year to review the allegations.
As of now, Sheppard has not commented publicly. The school said its official statement represents the response for both the university and Sheppard.
What Comes Next
The former student says he hopes his case brings change to college athletics. "To spend my whole life trying to get to that point, and I finally got there, and then had this all happen, and it's just derailed my whole career," he told The New York Post.
The case touches on growing national conversations around athlete safety, locker room culture, and institutional responsibility. Whether it results in disciplinary action, changes in policy, or broader reform remains to be seen. But for one former Seton Hall pitcher, the damage — physical and emotional — has already been done.
References: Seton Hall pitcher tells horrifying tale of brutal hazing at renowned baseball program, which allegedly included beatings, forced sex acts | Former Seton Hall baseball player alleges violent hazing in lawsuit, says coach did nothing about it | Former freshman Seton Hall pitcher files suit alleging hazing, beating, forced sexual acts
