A former member of the St. Joseph's University baseball team has filed a lawsuit against the Long Island institution, alleging he was subjected to hazing, a "forcible attack," and humiliation by teammates during a team trip in March. The suit, filed in State Supreme Court in Suffolk County, names St. Joseph’s University, head baseball coach Thomas Caputo, assistant coach Elliot Robles, and 30 unidentified teammates.

The complaint outlines a series of alleged incidents, including a demand that the 18-year-old plaintiff be "stripped naked and stand exposed" before his teammates, with only a plastic cup for coverage, an act he declined.

During a university-sanctioned trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 5, the lawsuit alleges that teammates "forcibly placed dirty underwear on Plaintiff’s face and physically accosted him." The suit states the plaintiff was "humiliated, threatened, intimidated, and physically assaulted, was placed in fear for his physical safety, and attempted to defend himself from the attack."

The lawsuit contends that inadequate supervision was in place during the trip, despite assurances from assistant coach Robles. Court filings suggest an investigation, involving Caputo and Robles, corroborated the victim's account and determined he was not the aggressor.

However, according to attorney Mike Della, who represents the former player, the victim was suspended following the incident, while other participants faced no disciplinary action. Della told Newsday that his client was considering transferring schools and potentially abandoning his baseball career due to the ordeal.

The lawsuit further alleges that this was not an isolated incident, citing a previous season where players reportedly attempted to kick down a hotel door. The complaint claims that "on prior team trips, members of the baseball team also engaged in a practice of physically restraining and holding down teammates against their will, and such conduct was known within the baseball program."

In a statement, St. Joseph's University acknowledged awareness of the suit, stating, "While we take concerns raised by members of our community seriously, this matter is currently the subject of pending litigation. Out of respect for that process, we are not in a position to comment on the allegations."

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.