Northwestern football team releases statement on hazing allegations

Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald is currently serving a suspension after troubling allegations of hazing came to light.

On Saturday night, the Northwestern Football team released a statement both denying the allegations and clearing Fitzgerald of any wrongdoing.

The letter said, among other things, that “Northwestern Football players DO NOT tolerate hazing. We want to reiterate that as representatives of the Northwestern Football program, we do not tolerate hazing in any form.” It also said that “The recent allegations brought forth are exaggerated and twisted. It is disheartening to see that the allegations brought forth against our team have been exaggerated and twisted into lies.

It also added that “It is crucial to note that our Head Coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was not involved in any of the alleged incidents in any way, shape, or form. Coach Fitzgerald had no knowledge of these allegations until they were brought forth during the investigation.”

The letter, which was signed by  “The ENTIRE Northwestern Football Team,” was shared on Twitter by Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.

Statement from Northwestern’s entire team pushing back against the allegations of hazing, which they call “exaggerated and twisted.” They also say coach Pat Fitzgerald had no knowledge or involvement in the allegations. pic.twitter.com/lMOAgCe0EB

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) July 9, 2023

Fitzgerald was given a two-week suspension on Friday. He also commented on the hazing that’s alleged to have taken place, saying he’s disappointed.

Fitzgerald, who played at Northwestern from 1993-1996, has been a coach for the Wildcats since 2001. From 2001-2005, he held different assistant roles. Then, in 2006, Fitzgerald became the head coach.

[Adam Rittenberg]