Soccer coach, two players suspended; police investigate accusations boy with autism duct taped to goal post

PENNSYLVANIA (WITI) -- Police are investigating accusations that a Pittsburgh area high school coach and several players duct taped a boy who has autism to a goal post.

KDKA in Pittsburgh reports the alleged "hazing" incident happened Sunday night, October 5th at the high school's soccer fields.

16-year-old Austin Babinsack says he was left duct taped to the goal post for approximately 15 minutes, while students went back to the school to get another student.

KDKA reports an off-duty Pennsylvania State Trooper discovered the boy.

"He was terrified. He could have died. He could have had a heart attack from being so stressed out. He was screaming at the top of his lungs,” the boy's mother, Kristy Babinsack told KDKA.

Kristy Babinsack tells KDKA her son has been diagnosed with autism.

Highlands School District has suspended the coach and two players for at least five days -- according to KDKA.

The school district released the following statement to KDKA: “Highlands School District does not take matters such as hazing and bullying lightly. The district issues strict disciplinary action on students who think these actions are appropriate and harmless.”

The boy's mother tells KDKA since the incident, the boy attended a soccer game and was ridiculed by players -- whom she says called the boy a snitch.

CLICK HERE for more on this story via KDKA.