By Trend News Line 2024-05-09 03:20:57.
**Former Northwestern Players File Lawsuits Against School and Coach**
Three former Northwestern players have taken legal action against the school and former coach Pat Fitzgerald, alleging hazing and mistreatment within the football program. The lawsuits were filed in Cook County circuit court by former linebacker Nathan Fox, who played for Northwestern from 2015 to 2019, and two other individuals identified as John Doe. These legal actions come after a whistleblower, known as John Doe 22, initially brought forward allegations of misconduct within the program.
**Investigation and Suspension**
Attorney Maggie Hickey was hired by Northwestern to investigate the claims made by John Doe 22. The investigation revealed that the hazing allegations were largely substantiated, but there was no evidence to suggest that Fitzgerald or other staff members were aware of the incidents. Following the investigation, Fitzgerald was suspended for two weeks without pay. Subsequently, the whistleblower went public with his accusations in the Daily Northwestern campus newspaper, leading to Fitzgerald’s dismissal by Northwestern president Michael Schill.
**Legal Battles**
In response to his termination, Fitzgerald filed a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit against Schill and the school, with the case scheduled for trial in 2025. To date, a total of 25 former players have filed lawsuits against Northwestern, citing hazing and other forms of mistreatment.
**Detailed Allegations**
Fox’s lawsuit outlines a number of hazing incidents, including “running” and other sexualized acts, allegedly occurring during the team’s preseason training camp in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He reported these experiences to multiple Northwestern staff members, including a therapist and an athletic trainer. Despite his efforts to seek help, Fox claims he faced backlash from the coaching staff for speaking out against unfair treatment.
**Seeking Justice**
The plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $50,000, with their legal representatives asserting that multiple staff members were aware of the abusive behavior taking place within the program. They allege that instead of addressing the issue, those in positions of authority either ignored the abuse or retaliated against those who came forward.
**Future Legal Action**
It is anticipated that more former players will come forward with lawsuits against Northwestern in the near future. The school has declined to comment on the pending litigation against them.
**Final Thoughts**
The unfolding legal proceedings shed light on the serious allegations of hazing and mistreatment within the Northwestern football program. As the cases progress through the court system, the former players involved are seeking justice for the harm they claim to have endured during their time at the university..
former Northwestern players hazing lawsuits
former Northwestern players file hazing suits.