A Florida fraternity brother who sustained brain damage from hazing sends a warning to future Greeks about the dangers of hazing.

In 2018, a former Florida State University student was sentenced to 30 days in prison and a year of probation by a Florida judge for punching his peer during a fraternity hazing incident.

A lawsuit previously filed against Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter of FSU accused Oliver Walker, 26, of committing culpable negligence and inflicting harm on fraternity pledge Nicholas Mauricio during a tradition called "Scumbag of the Week."

"Mauricio shared with Planet Chronicle Digital that he feels fortunate to be alive and in good health, stating, "It's taken a lot of hard work, struggling, and low points to get here.""

The "Scumbag of the Week" incident resulted in a brain injury that has been challenging for him to recover from. Unlike a broken arm or torn ACL, his injury is not visible, making it difficult for his loved ones to comprehend the extent of his struggle.

Mauricio, who was 6-foot-1 and 125 pounds at the time of the punch, hit his head after Walker's punch and has been recovering from a debilitating brain injury for the past six years, which included two different hematomas and frontal lobe damage.

Andrew Coffey, an FSU student, died of alcohol poisoning a few months ago due to his fraternity brothers' failure to promptly seek medical assistance.

According to the lawsuit, the longstanding "Scumbag of the Week" tradition involved selecting a pledge to be punched in the face in front of the entire fraternity.

"Mauricio stated that the situation was affecting his entire family. He added that they liked the word "survivor" because it was an extension of being a victim, but they were able to persevere."

Michelle Mauricio, his mother, told Planet Chronicle Digital that it has been "atrocious" to wait six years for justice.

"I’m still so emotionally exhausted. … I’m just tired of fighting a battle we’re never going to win." — Michelle Mauricio, Nicholas' mother

"Each year, another student is injured or dies as a result of friends hurting friends, Michelle stated."

Mauricio's criminal case has finally come to a resolution, and David Bianchi, a well-known hazing attorney who represented him in both cases, expressed his satisfaction to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Despite the existence of anti-hazing laws, policies, and initiatives, a significant number of fraternity hazing incidents occur annually in the United States, according to Bianchi.

"The message isn't getting through to the men responsible for these recurring incidents across the United States."

Bianchi suggested that "perhaps jail time" could serve as a consequence for fraternity members who put pledges or existing members in dangerous situations, including suspension, expulsion, and even imprisonment.

If Mauricio is exposed to any kind of physical harm or alcohol while underage, he wants other college-aged men who are considering joining a fraternity to speak up.

"You can tell them no, and you should tell them no." — Nicholas Mauricio

"Although it may seem like they hold all the power, you possess more power than them. You have the right to say no and stand up for yourself," Mauricio emphasized. "We should all strive to be leaders rather than followers. By doing so, you can protect yourself from harm and maintain your self-respect."

Mauricio pointed out that universities also have a stake in the issue, in addition to Greek organizations and their members. He and his mother hope their story will educate college students and fraternity members about the risks of hazing.

Mauricio aims to become an advocate for individuals affected by college hazing and brain damage.

At the time of publication, Attorney Gannon Coens of Bodiford Law, who represented Walker, refused to provide a comment.