Northwestern University has suspended football coach Pat Fitzgerald for two weeks without pay following an investigation into alleged hazing within the football program. The investigation, led by attorney Maggie Hickey, did not find sufficient evidence that the coaching staff was aware of ongoing hazing. However, investigators noted that there were significant opportunities for the coaching staff to discover and report the conduct.
Fitzgerald began serving his suspension on Friday and expressed his disappointment upon hearing about the hazing allegations. Northwestern stated that they hold their student-athletes and program to the highest standards and will continue to work towards exceeding those standards in the future.
The investigation revealed that the hazing primarily took place in the team’s locker room and may have originated at their training camp site in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In response, Northwestern announced that they will no longer hold their camp in Kenosha and will have an unaffiliated individual monitor the locker room.
The university has also implemented several measures to address hazing, including annual anti-hazing training for coaches, staff, and athletes, the creation of an online tool for anonymous reporting of hazing incidents, and the formation of an internal working group to develop policies and enforce a positive organizational culture. Northwestern will collaborate with the NCAA and Big Ten to ensure compliance with all processes and rules.
Northwestern Athletics aims to provide a safe and respectful environment for all students, coaches, and staff. Athletic Director Derrick Gragg commended the individuals who came forward to report the issue and pledged to create a more positive environment moving forward.
Fitzgerald’s suspension follows a difficult season for the Wildcats, as they finished with a 1-11 record, their worst since 1989. Over the past two seasons, they have lost 17 of their last 18 games. Fitzgerald, who has been with the program for 17 seasons and is the winningest coach in school history, holds a record of 110-101 and has led the team to Big Ten West championships and bowl victories.