University football coach suspended, team already being investigated.

Northwestern Football Team Under Investigation and Coach Suspended

With fall practices just weeks away, Northwestern University’s football program is still grappling with uncertainty. The investigation into hazing allegations within the team has been ongoing for over six months. Recently, the university announced that coach Pat Fitzgerald has been suspended for two weeks without pay.

The investigation, led by attorney Maggie Hickey, did not find sufficient evidence that the coaching staff knew about the ongoing hazing. However, there were significant opportunities for them to be aware of it. The Daily Northwestern published a detailed story the next day, highlighting specific instances of hazing and sexual abuse, suggesting that Fitzgerald may have known about it.

“He failed to uphold that commitment,” Northwestern President Michael Schill wrote in an open letter to the university community. “And I failed to sufficiently consider that failure in levying a sanction.”

Schill plans to discuss the situation with university leadership, the board of trustees, and faculty senate leaders to determine the next steps, which may include additional punishment for Fitzgerald and his staff.

The university’s initial investigation began in late 2022 after learning of the hazing allegations. The report concluded that the claims were largely supported by evidence but couldn’t determine if the coaching staff was aware of the incidents.

As part of the response to the investigation, Northwestern has implemented several measures. Fitzgerald’s suspension is accompanied by the discontinuation of preseason football camps in Wisconsin. The locker room will now be monitored by an official outside the coaching staff’s purview. The university will also create an online tool for anonymously reporting hazing, and coaches, staff, and athletes will be required to undergo anti-hazing training. Additionally, a working group will be formed to report on policy, culture, training, and enforcement.

Northwestern Athletic Director Derrick Gragg expressed respect for the individuals who came forward and vowed to create a more coach suspended, team already being investigated.”>positive environment moving forward.

Unfortunately, Northwestern is not the only school dealing with hazing issues in its athletic programs. Last month, two former New Mexico State basketball players reached an $8 million settlement with the university after alleging they were sexually assaulted by teammates. Harvard women’s hockey coach Katey Stone also retired following a report detailing instances of verbal abuse, hazing, and pressure to return from injuries prematurely.

Fitzgerald, a former star player for Northwestern, has led the Wildcats to 110 wins over 17 seasons. He has taken the team to 10 bowl games and achieved five final AP Top 25 poll rankings.

“When it comes to being a man I admire and respect, Coach Fitz has always been that man for me in my time at Northwestern!” Wildcats quarterback Ryan Hilinski tweeted. “He always offers an ear when I need to talk and a hand whenever I need help up! I’ve got his back like he always has had ours.”

Former quarterback Trevor Semien, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, also defended Fitzgerald, emphasizing the values of integrity, sacrifice, respect, and accountability that the coach instilled in his players.

The Wildcats, who had a challenging season last year with a 1-11 record, will open the upcoming season on September 3rd against Rutgers.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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