The Eichholz Law Firm has announced that a lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Shakur Chisolm following a hazing incident that occurred during the week of Aug. 2, 2015.
Attorney Fatima Alexis Zeidan of The Eichholz Law Firm and Rep. Justin Bamberg, who is also representing the family, addressed the media at 1 p.m. today in regard to the lawsuit.
Chisolm, who is currently the second-leading rusher in South Carolina high school football, is suing Allendale-Fairfax High School, the school’s football coach, Eddie Ford, and others for their role in the hazing incident.
According to Chisolm, he was beaten by approximately 15 upperclassmen using boxing gloves, belts and fists in a hazing ritual that was coordinated by the team coaches. Chisolm suffered cuts and bruises that required medical attention.
Chisolm withdrew from the high school following the incident. After transferring to Williston-Elko High, he has rushed for nearly 1,400 yards in only seven games and has been recruited by some of the top names in college football.
The family is suing for compensation that would help cover Chisolm’s medical bills, along with emotional distress and mental anguish. The lawsuit also alleges that hazing at Allendale-Fairfax High School is a longstanding tradition and that despite Chisolm asking for help from coaches, the attack continued.
Furthermore, the suit also alleged that Cody Brandyburg, the assistant football coach, asked Chisolm to not report the incident. Chisolm’s father also received a phone call from superintendent Williams requesting that Chisolm and his family not speak to law enforcement until the school district and high school could investigate the matter.
South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division was called in to investigate the matter, but has not released any further information.
Chisolm wants to share his story so that similar incidents don’t happen again. The Eichholz Law Firm strives to obtain justice for Shakur Chisolm and his family.