Michigan State is hiring former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald as its new football coach, replacing Jonathan Smith after a poor season and Smith's record against Big Ten teams. Fitzgerald, who was recently involved in a hazing controversy at Northwestern, settled a wrongful termination lawsuit with the university. MSU aims to restore its football program's competitive stature with Fitzgerald's leadership.
Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern football coach, settled a lawsuit related to a hazing scandal and now plans to return to coaching, feeling fully vindicated and ready to pursue new opportunities in college or NFL coaching.
Northwestern University settled a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit with former football coach Pat Fitzgerald, who was fired amid a hazing scandal. Fitzgerald denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had no knowledge of hazing and was unfairly dismissed. The university also stated that evidence did not support allegations of his involvement in hazing, and has since taken steps to improve athletic department culture.
Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern football coach, settled a wrongful termination lawsuit with the university over allegations of hazing, after initially being suspended and then dismissed following an investigation. Fitzgerald denied knowledge of hazing but acknowledged its occurrence, and the case was scheduled for trial before the settlement. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.
Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern football coach, reached a settlement with the university over his wrongful termination related to a hazing scandal, denying knowledge of any hazing and emphasizing his efforts to prevent misconduct during his 17-year tenure.
Former Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald has filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging that they breached their contract with him. Fitzgerald was fired in July following allegations of hazing, racism, and sexual abuse within the football program. He denies having knowledge of the alleged abuse and is seeking millions in damages. Several former and current players have also filed lawsuits against the school. The university maintains that Fitzgerald had the responsibility to know about and stop the hazing, and that they acted appropriately in terminating him.
Northwestern University Athletic Director Derrick Gragg, who has faced scrutiny over a hazing scandal, published a book in 2015 that contains questionable passages about women. In the book, Gragg refers to women as "man's greatest distraction," criticizes the portrayal of women in music videos, and offers his take on serious crimes like rape and sexual assault. While Gragg claims to advocate for respect towards women, his language and rhetoric in the book evoke sexist tropes and problematic stereotypes. Northwestern media officials have not yet responded to inquiries about the book and its alignment with the university's views.
A third lawsuit has been filed against Northwestern University in the wake of a hazing scandal, with former football players "John Doe 2" and "John Doe 3" joining "John Doe 1" in suing the school, current and former employees, including the current and former presidents, the Board of Trustees, the current and former athletic directors, and the former head coach. The lawsuits allege that the athletes were subjected to abuse and that those who expressed concern were retaliated against. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump and attorney Steven Levin have been retained by 15 former athletes for possible litigations, as more athletes come forward with their stories of alleged hazing.
At least 15 former Northwestern student-athletes are planning to file a lawsuit against the university, claiming physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in a hazing scandal. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the athletes, stated that the abuse was part of a toxic culture within the athletic department. The lawsuit has not yet been filed, but other law firms are expected to follow suit. Former football coach Pat Fitzgerald has been accused of enabling a culture of racism, leading to his firing after an independent investigation found him at fault for failing to prevent significant hazing.
Eight former student-athletes from Northwestern University have hired civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump to represent them in the hazing scandal within the football program. The athletes allege that they were subjected to humiliating acts, racial bias, and severe physical and psychological trauma. Crump and co-counsel Steven M. Levin are in discussions with other potential victims as well. Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald was initially suspended but was later fired after further revelations of the seriousness of the hazing. The former players are seeking more oversight and accountability in college athletics to prevent future abuses.
Calls to reassess the athletic culture at Northwestern University and temporarily halt the proposed $800 million rebuild of Ryan Field have emerged in the wake of the football hazing scandal and the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Concerns have been raised about whether the university needs a new football stadium or a thorough housecleaning of its athletic program. Faculty members, community groups, and students have called for a pause on the stadium project, citing a culture problem within Northwestern athletics. The university's response to the hazing scandal and the firing of Fitzgerald have been criticized, and there are concerns about potential legal repercussions and the impact on donor relations.
Former Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald, who was fired in the wake of a hazing scandal, is exploring potential breach-of-contract claims against the university. Fitzgerald's attorney, Dan Webb, stated that Northwestern breached their employment contract by firing him after initially suspending him for two weeks without pay. The university's decision to terminate Fitzgerald was made despite no new evidence coming to light between the suspension and termination. Webb, a prominent attorney, confirmed that he has no knowledge of any potential lawsuits or criminal investigations against Fitzgerald. The hazing scandal, which involved "forced participation, nudity, and sexualized acts of a degrading nature," has caused shockwaves within the Northwestern community.
Pat Fitzgerald has been fired as the head coach of Northwestern University's football team following a hazing scandal that tarnished the program. The university president cited a "broken" culture as the reason for Fitzgerald's dismissal. An external investigation confirmed hazing allegations by a former player, and while there was no evidence that Fitzgerald knew about the hazing, it was well-known within the program. Fitzgerald, who had initially received a two-week suspension, expressed surprise at the revocation of the agreement and stated that he had no knowledge of any hazing. The university is expected to name an acting head coach soon. Fitzgerald leaves Northwestern as the winningest football coach in school history.
