NATRONA HEIGHTS, Pa. — A high school soccer coach and two players have been suspended for at least five days after an autistic teammate told police the two teens duct-taped him to a goalpost.
Austin Babinsack, 16, told Harrison Township police he was left taped to the goal for 15 to 20 minutes Sunday evening before passersby heard his screams and freed him.
The Highlands School District, about 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, issued a statement saying that coach Jim Turner, who was not present at the time, and two 17-year-old players identified by Babinsack have been suspended.
Misty Chybrzynski, a district spokeswoman, said the coach was suspended because of an ongoing investigation. The district declined further comment, saying it was a personnel matter.
‘‘We officially cannot discuss the status of any special needs students,’’ she said. Police may also file juvenile court charges against the two teammates, although Chief Mike Klein did not immediately return a call Wednesday seeking additional comment.
Kristy Babinsack, the victim’s mother, said she hopes the coach will be fired and the other players expelled, though she has praised the district’s response.
‘‘He was bawling,” she said of her son. “He was terrified.”