In a case that’s left an entire community outraged, a high school football team in Ohio is under investigation after several players allegedly placed peanuts inside the locker of a teammate with a life-threatening allergy — an act that police are now treating as a potential hate crime and assault.
The 17-year-old victim, whose name has not been released for privacy reasons, went into anaphylactic shock shortly after entering the locker room and had to be rushed to the hospital. Authorities say the teen’s EpiPen was used on-site by the team’s coach before paramedics arrived — a move that likely saved his life. “He was minutes away from not making it,” a police officer told NBC News. “This wasn’t a prank. It could’ve been a homicide.”
According to the school district’s official statement, the students responsible “knew about the victim’s severe peanut allergy” and “acted with reckless disregard for his safety.” The district confirmed that three players have been suspended indefinitely as police conduct a full criminal investigation in coordination with the county prosecutor’s office. “This goes beyond bullying,” said Superintendent Thomas Greene. “This was targeted cruelty.”
Several Ohio high school football players are under investigation for allegedly placing peanuts in the locker of a teammate who has a deadly allergy. He went into anaphylactic shock minutes later. @PopBase
Witnesses told BBC News that the incident unfolded last Friday afternoon before practice. The allergic teen had previously warned teammates never to bring peanut products into shared spaces. “Everyone on that team knew,” said one student. “They thought it was funny. They didn’t think he’d actually end up in the hospital.”
Emergency services arrived within minutes after coaches called 911. “He was turning blue when we got there,” recalled firefighter-paramedic Josh Miller. “The coach’s quick thinking probably saved that boy’s life.” Authorities say the locker was later swabbed and tested positive for peanut residue, confirming the teen’s account.
The boy’s parents, speaking through their attorney, called the act “an unimaginable betrayal.” “Our son trusted his teammates. They turned that trust into a weapon,” their statement to The New York Times read. “We are grateful he survived — but we will never see this as a prank.”
“This wasn’t a prank. It could’ve been a homicide,” an officer said of the peanut locker incident. @guardian
Allergy specialists say such cases are alarmingly common and often underestimated. “Anaphylaxis can happen in seconds,” explained immunologist Dr. Laura Kingsley. “Even trace amounts of peanut dust can trigger a fatal reaction. The idea that anyone would intentionally expose a person to that risk is horrifying.”
Students at the school have since organized a vigil, placing flowers and messages outside the football field. “We’re supposed to protect each other,” one classmate told CBS News. “What happened isn’t just mean — it’s evil.”
The incident has reignited nationwide debates over how schools handle severe allergies and bullying. Advocacy groups like FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) are calling for harsher penalties for students who weaponize allergies. “This was a deliberate attempt to cause harm,” said FARE spokesperson Michelle Hart. “It’s time schools recognize these acts as forms of assault.”
“Putting peanuts near someone with a deadly allergy isn’t a joke — it’s attempted murder,” wrote one user on X. @itvnews
In a chilling twist, text messages obtained by investigators show that one of the accused players allegedly bragged about the act in a private group chat, calling it “just a joke gone too far.” Police say those messages are now key evidence in determining intent. “This wasn’t accidental exposure,” said Chief Daniel Pierce. “We’re looking at potential felony charges.”
Legal experts say the players could face charges ranging from reckless endangerment to attempted manslaughter, depending on how prosecutors interpret the evidence. “If they knowingly endangered his life, they can be charged as adults,” attorney Rebecca Nolan told reporters. “There’s no gray area here — they weaponized food.”
Social media has exploded with outrage, with thousands demanding that the teens face expulsion and criminal accountability. “If this were a gun or knife, no one would call it a prank,” one user posted. “So why is it treated differently when it’s peanuts?”
Even professional athletes have weighed in. Former NFL player Malcolm Jennings reposted the story with the caption: “Locker room culture has to change. Brotherhood means protecting, not endangering.”
Former NFL star Malcolm Jennings on the case: “This isn’t hazing. It’s attempted murder.” @BBCWorld
The injured teen remains in stable condition at Mayo Clinic but is expected to miss the rest of the school year. His mother described the aftermath as “a nightmare we can’t wake up from.” “He’s terrified to go back,” she said through tears. “He doesn’t trust anyone anymore.”
Meanwhile, parents across the country are sharing their own stories of allergic children being targeted. One Ohio mother wrote on Facebook, “My son’s allergy was mocked too. It’s not just bullying — it’s life or death.”
As investigations continue, the district has announced mandatory anti-bullying and allergy awareness sessions for all students. “We owe it to this young man to make sure this never happens again,” said Superintendent Greene. “No child should fear dying because of what’s in their locker.”
For now, the locker room remains sealed off as a crime scene — a grim reminder of how a so-called prank nearly became a tragedy. “This wasn’t about food,” one classmate said quietly. “This was about cruelty.”
