By Trend News Line 2024-05-09 03:20:00.
**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, filed by former linebacker Nathan Fox and two other individuals identified as John Doe, were brought to light this week in Cook County circuit court.
**Initial Whistleblower Sparks Investigation**
The initial whistleblower, identified as John Doe 22, played a crucial role in sparking an investigation into the claims of hazing and mistreatment within the Northwestern football program. Attorney Maggie Hickey, hired by Northwestern to investigate John Doe 22’s allegations, found significant evidence to support the claims.
**Investigation Results and Consequences**
Hickey’s investigation confirmed the player’s hazing allegations but found no evidence of knowledge on the part of Fitzgerald and other coaches and staff members. Following the investigation, Fitzgerald was suspended for two weeks without pay. However, the whistleblower decided to make his allegations public in the Daily Northwestern campus newspaper, leading to Fitzgerald’s subsequent termination by Northwestern president Michael Schill.
**Legal Battles Unfold**
In response to his termination, Fitzgerald filed a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit against Schill and the school. The case is scheduled for trial in 2025. Additionally, a total of 25 former players have now filed lawsuits against Northwestern, citing hazing and other forms of mistreatment during their time in the football program.
**Allegations of Hazing and Mistreatment**
Fox’s lawsuit detailed various hazing allegations, including sexualized acts and mistreatment during the team’s preseason training camp in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Despite reporting his experiences to multiple Northwestern staff members, Fox faced backlash from both coaches and trainers for speaking out about the unfair treatment he endured.
**Seeking Justice and Accountability**
The plaintiffs in the lawsuits are seeking damages exceeding $50,000. Northwestern has chosen not to comment on the pending litigation against the school. Attorney Margaret Battersby Black, representing several plaintiffs, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that numerous staff members were aware of the abusive behavior within the football program.
**Continued Legal Action Expected**
With more former players anticipated to come forward with lawsuits against Northwestern in the near future, the legal battle surrounding the hazing and mistreatment allegations shows no signs of slowing down. The ongoing pursuit of justice and accountability remains at the forefront of the former players’ efforts to shed light on the practices within the Northwestern football program..
– former Northwestern players hazing lawsuits
– Northwestern players file hazing lawsuits.