GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE / AP) — Police say three high school basketball players have been charged with raping and assaulting a teammate.
Gatlinburg Police say in a statement that the players were charged Monday in the incident, which occurred last week. The three juveniles are being held in a Sevier County Juvenile Facility. Detective Rodney Burnes with Gatlinburg police said the attack happened Tuesday at around 8:30 p.m. at a rental cabin located at Laurel Mountain Road.
The statement says staff at LeConte Medical Center called officers Dec. 23 after a male juvenile who had been assaulted was brought there by his basketball coach. The victim was moved to University of Tennessee Medical Center where Detective Burnes said he had to undergo surgery due to the extent of his injuries.
Police say the boy was in Gatlinburg for a tournament with teammates from Ootelwah High School in Hamilton County.
Ootelwah High School Athletic Director Jesse Nayadley tells the Chattanooga Times Free Press that the three players involved in the apparent hazing incident have been dismissed from the team.
Police say the teammates, who are under 18, have been charged as juveniles. Their names weren’t released.
