Former Northwestern football players hire civil rights attorney after hazing scandal

The Northwestern saga continues. On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Ritterburg broke significant news regarding the Wildcats’ football program.

“Eight former Northwestern players have retained noted civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Chicago law firm Levin & Perconti for a lawsuit against the university for ‘physical, sexual and emotional abuse’ related to the hazing incidents that took place in the program,” Ritterburg wrote on Twitter.

Northwestern fired head coach Pat Fitzgerald on July 11 after hazing allegations surfaced. Fitzgerald was the head coach at Northwestern for 17 seasons. Per Ritterburg, the program’s decision was due to multiple breaches of contract by Fitzgerald.

“Northwestern fired coach Pat Fitzgerald for cause, his attorney Dan Webb tells ESPN,” Rittenberg said via Twitter. “Webb is evaluating possible litigation around what he describes as “major” breaches of contract for Fitzgerald’s employment and the agreement with the school before Friday’s suspension.”

Fitzgerald quickly fired back in a written statement, insinuating impending legal action.

“Given this unexpected turn on events, I have entrusted my agent, Bryan Harlan, and legal counsel, Dan Webb from Winston & Strawn LLP, to take the necessary steps to protect my rights in accordance with the law.”

The allegations against Fitzgerald first sprouted from “The Daily Northwestern,” the student newspaper at Northwestern University. The newspaper quoted multiple former players, claiming Fitzgerald fostered a hazing culture that included racism.

Northwestern initially suspended Fitzgerald without pay for two weeks, but NW president Michael Schill changed the punishment after reevaluation.

“Whether the coaches at Northwestern approved or participated in the harassment of these players or not, they are responsible for allowing and enabling a toxic, disgusting, and damaging culture in their programs,” Ritterburg added on Twitter.

On Friday, the program named defensive coordinator David Braun as the interim head football coach for the 2023 season.

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