Northwestern football is making the decision to abstain from Big Ten Media Days this week due to the ongoing hazing scandal that has engulfed the program. In a joint statement, players Bryce Gallagher, Rod Heard II, and Bryce Kirtz announced their intention to skip the event in Indianapolis. The athletes, after consulting with their families, teammates, and interim coach David Braun, concluded that their presence could potentially attract unwanted attention.
Despite their disappointment in missing out on this esteemed Big Ten tradition, Gallagher, Heard, and Kirtz expressed their concern about the hazing issue dominating the discussions and diverting the focus away from football and the upcoming season. They emphasized their commitment to representing the values of the university and its fans through their on-field performance and off-field conduct.
The firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald on July 10 and the subsequent reticence of Northwestern players have contributed to the scandal. Braun, the interim head coach, supports the players’ decision to abstain from the event, remarking that they approached it maturely and thoughtfully. He looks forward to attending the event himself.
Northwestern is currently facing legal action from former players who have accused the program of hazing and abusive behavior. Lloyd Yates, one of the plaintiffs, refrained from naming the players involved, regarding them as victims of the program’s culture. The lawsuits filed do not disclose any player names.
The university has committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations of hazing that come to their attention. A statement released on July 8, attributed to the entire Northwestern team, emphasized their zero-tolerance policy towards hazing. It also stated that Coach Fitzgerald was not aware of the allegations until the university initiated its investigation late last year.
Northwestern’s regular season kicks off on September 3 with an away game against Rutgers. The school’s focus is on addressing the hazing scandal and ensuring a safer and healthier environment within the football program.
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
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