GREEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO — Tensions flared inside a suburban Cincinnati church over the weekend as community outrage over alleged misconduct by a local priest led to a dramatic confrontation, culminating in longtime NFL player Jake McQuaide being escorted out by police.
The incident occurred Saturday at Our Lady of the Visitation Church, where over 700 parishioners had demanded answers after reports emerged alleging that Father Martin Bachman had viewed explicit content on a church computer. Church officials have denied the claims, but growing frustration among parish members came to a head during a public address by Archdiocese of Cincinnati Chancellor Jason Williams.
NFL Veteran Demands Accountability
Jake McQuaide, 37, a two-time Pro Bowler and Cincinnati native, was in attendance when Williams read a letter from Archbishop Robert Casey stating that the allegations had been investigated and found unsubstantiated.
“No wrongdoing — either criminally or ecclesiastically — has been substantiated… The spreading of rumors is sinful,” the letter read.
It was at that moment that McQuaide interrupted the address, pressing for a direct answer regarding whether explicit content had indeed been accessed using parish equipment.
“Please take a second. We want to put these rumors to rest. Can you answer this for me … fact or fiction,” McQuaide said, according to local reports by WCPO.
When others at the altar attempted to redirect the conversation, McQuaide held his ground.
“This is the time and the place. I will stand up… Did the priest use our parish computer to look at pornography? … true or false. I am not trespassing,” he added.
Green Township police officers, who had been stationed on-site for possible disruptions, escorted McQuaide out of the building. Authorities later confirmed that McQuaide was not detained or charged with any offense.
Source of Allegations and Community Response
The original allegations stemmed from a church member, Todd Zureick, who reported seeing disturbing material on a church laptop. According to WCPO, the content included thumbnails and links to pornography sites, including themes of sexual assault, group sex, and occult imagery. Zureick reportedly filed a formal complaint with the archdiocese earlier in the year.
However, both the archdiocese and local law enforcement have stated they found no criminal activity after reviewing the matter. Father Bachman is scheduled to go on sabbatical in July—a move church officials say is unrelated to the ongoing controversy.
Despite the official statements, the local community remains unsettled. A petition demanding full transparency on the matter has already gathered more than 700 signatures.
Broader Questions About Church Transparency
The confrontation reflects broader concerns about institutional accountability and the Catholic Church’s historical struggles with allegations of misconduct. While church leaders have urged restraint and warned against “gossip,” some parishioners are calling for direct, verifiable answers.
For McQuaide, a free agent who played for the Vikings and Dolphins last season and spent a decade with the Rams, the matter is personal.
“You can look at pornography at your house,” he said, “but you cannot do it here.”
A Church at a Crossroads
With Father Bachman preparing for sabbatical and community members still demanding clarity, the church faces mounting pressure to address not only the facts but also the trust that appears to be eroding between its leadership and congregation.
Were you present during Saturday’s events or part of the parish petition? Do you believe the church should release more information? Share your perspective in the comments.