July 14 (UPI) — Northwestern University has terminated the contract of baseball coach Jim Foster following an internal investigation that revealed allegations of “bullying and abusive behavior” towards players and staff members, the university announced.
The school revealed that Assistant Coach Brian Anderson will take over as the interim coach, effective immediately.
The decision to fire Foster comes in the wake of former football coach Pat Fitzgerald’s dismissal amidst a hazing scandal, making it a tumultuous period for Northwestern sports.
In a news release, Northwestern athletic director Derrick Gragg emphasized the university’s commitment to providing students with an environment that fosters academic, personal, and athletic growth at the highest level. He stated, “As the director of athletics, I take responsibility for our coaching choices, and we will communicate our next steps as they unfold.”
Past and present players have reported “problematic behavior from Foster” to Northwestern officials, according to the Chicago Tribune. The school’s investigation substantiated claims of “bullying and abusive behavior” within the baseball program.
According to sources cited by 670 The Score, Foster fostered a toxic environment characterized by bullying and verbal abuse, resulting in the departure of several coaches.
An SBNation report shed light on additional allegations made by players and coaches against Foster, including discouragement of seeking medical attention for injuries, racially insensitive remarks, and an inappropriate comment targeting a female staff member.
Notably, Foster had previously served as the coach for Army’s baseball team before being hired by Northwestern in June 2022.
The Wildcats had a disappointing season, finishing with a record of 10-40. The team was further affected by more than a dozen players entering the transfer portal, along with the departure of three staff members.
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