Former Northwestern Football Player Alleges Negligence in Hazing Lawsuit
A former Northwestern football player has filed a lawsuit against former football coach Pat Fitzgerald, university president Michael Schill, and other defendants, claiming negligence in failing to prevent hazing within the team. The lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, also includes the university and its board of trustees as defendants.
The plaintiff, identified as “John Doe” and a member of the team from 2018 to 2022, alleges that the defendants failed to prevent and intervene in hazing traditions that were assaultive, illegal, and often sexual in nature. The incidents are said to have taken place in the school’s locker rooms and training camp in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
According to the lawsuit, Northwestern’s football program has a history of hazing and bullying with a sexual and racist tone. The player specifically accuses Pat Fitzgerald of forcing players of color to change their hair and behavior to conform to the “Wildcat Way” and enabling a culture of racism and microaggressions within the team.
The former player is seeking damages of more than $50,000. The lawyers representing John Doe encourage anyone with information related to the matter to come forward and contact their firms.
This lawsuit comes after eight former Northwestern football players announced their intention to pursue legal action against the school over hazing within the football program. The players have retained the services of the Levin & Perconti law firm and civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
In response to previous allegations of hazing, Northwestern hired an external law firm to conduct a six-month investigation. The investigation concluded that there was evidence supporting the accusations but could not pinpoint specific misconduct by a player or coach. As a result, Pat Fitzgerald was suspended for two weeks without pay.
However, following The Daily Northwestern’s reporting of specific allegations, university president Michael Schill fired Fitzgerald on July 10 for his failure to prevent significant hazing in the football program. Fitzgerald has since retained legal counsel and is considering legal action against the school.
To date, no players have been publicly disciplined by the university. The coaching staff, excluding Fitzgerald, has been retained, and defensive coordinator David Braun has been promoted to interim head coach for the upcoming season.
The Northwestern football hazing controversy has attracted significant attention and scrutiny. The allegations of hazing and racism within the program have raised concerns about the university’s handling of such incidents and the overall culture within the football team.
In conclusion, the lawsuit filed by a former Northwestern football player against Pat Fitzgerald, Michael Schill, and others alleges negligence in preventing hazing within the team. The player claims that Northwestern’s football program has a history of hazing and racism. This lawsuit adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding the program and raises questions about the university’s response to such incidents.