Members of the Northwestern football team have responded to recent allegations of hazing and abuse within their program. In a joint letter from the entire team, they expressed their disappointment with the exaggerated and twisted claims made against them. The players firmly denied the validity of these accusations and stated that they do not reflect the true character of their team.
The allegations were brought forth by anonymous players to the university’s student newspaper, “The Daily Northwestern,” in an article detailing various hazing rituals. These rituals included a practice called “running,” where freshmen would be pinned down and dry-humped by upperclassmen wearing masks. Another alleged ritual was referred to as the “car wash,” in which players stood naked at the shower entrance and forced anyone entering to rub up against them.
An anonymous player described the hazing as “a really abrasive and barbaric culture” that has persisted for years within the program. The players who spoke to the Daily Northwestern also suggested that head coach Pat Fitzgerald may have been aware of the hazing, citing a clapping gesture used by the hazers that resembled one used by the coach during practice.
However, in their letter, the team stood by Fitzgerald and stated that he was not involved in any of the alleged incidents. They emphasized that the school had hired an independent private investigation firm to thoroughly probe the hazing accusations for six months. The players stated their unwavering support for Coach Fitzgerald, highlighting his commitment to their well-being and development.
Fitzgerald, who has been the Northwestern coach since 2006, initially received a two-week unpaid suspension from the school. However, this decision may be revisited in light of the new allegations. University president Michael Schill acknowledged that he had focused too much on what the report concluded Fitzgerald didn’t know and not enough on what he should have known. He acknowledged that both Fitzgerald and himself had failed to uphold the institutional commitment to the student experience and expressed his intention to reevaluate the punishment.
The team concluded their letter by reaffirming their stance against hazing, stating that it goes against their values of respect, integrity, and personal growth. The university will meet with the board of trustees and other staff members to determine an appropriate punishment for Coach Fitzgerald.
As the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future looms, Northwestern is scheduled to open their season on September 3 against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in New Brunswick.
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