A Northeastern student has filed a report with the university's campus police that he was assaulted by longtime Boston University hockey coach Jack Parker before a game at Matthews Arena on Jan. 4.
Justin Harriman, the student who filed the report on Jan. 17, told police in a report that he did not want Northeastern Police to investigate the alleged assault. Harriman instead wanted them to have it on record, according to NU police officer Lieutenant Detective Jim Pollard.
On the date of the alleged incident the Northeastern men's hockey team was hosting the Boston University Terriers when according to the report, Harriman was assaulted by Parker and others on the BU team.
In an interview with The News on Jan. 8, Harriman, one of the recognized leaders of the Northeastern's cheering section, the Dog House, said that before the game was when the alleged incident took place. He said he was standing on the lower level near the tunnel where the players come onto the ice preparing to taunt BU players as they exited the tunnel.
Harriman said as he prepared to taunt the players using his megaphone, Parker allegedly warned him not to use it. Then grabbed him and pulled him towards the railing forcing his jersey over his head.
At this point according to Lt. Pollard, the report states Harriman told police that he was assaulted by Parker and a player or players on the team until another BU coach pulled people away from him.
"Everyone gets heckled at games, but he took it to another level," Harriman said.
Parker, who was unaware that the report had been filed, said that it was a case of him protecting his players. He said Harriman's jersey was not pulled over his head and did not comment on the accusations that were made against others affiliated with the team.
"I told him I didn't want him using that horn while my players walked by for the safety of my players," Parker said. "When he began doing it I went to grab the megaphone. I couldn't reach and grabbed the jersey he was wearing."
Parker said that a similar incident almost happened last year when BU was visiting Matthews. He said during that incident Parker had a referee come over and gave Harriman a warning that he would be escorted out of the arena if he used the megaphone up close on the team.
During the incident on January 4, Parker said in an effort to prevent the problem from happening he called over a referee as he had done last year, but when the referee left is when Harriman allegedly put his players in danger.
According to Parker he felt he had to protect his players and staff, not from being harassed, but from having their ears damaged if Harriman yelled into his megaphone at close range.
"He is a great fan," Parker said. "A great supporter of the team, but there was a danger."
Boston University Sports Information Director, Ed Carpenter said he was aware of the event because he was informed of the "obnoxious" fan but did not see the incident.
Lt Pollard said it is unusual but not unheard of for someone to file a report but ask the police to not investigate or follow up on the charges.
"We see this in roommate conflicts sometimes. Where one roommate wants to have it on record that they and their roommate had a conflict," Lieut. Pollard said. "Or when someone receives a threatening e-mail."
Harriman in his January 8 interview said he attempted to file a report after the game but said when he spoke with Northeastern Police officers, he felt they dissuaded him to do so. A week later Harriman told The News he was not going to file a report.
Northeastern Athletic Director, Ian McCaw said he was made aware of the incident by Northeastern Police but said the athletic department didn't plan on taking any action.
"We have campus police at all our events," McCaw said.
Petrecki perhaps
. I love going to Tsongas