Big Ten Head Coach In Hot Water After Disturbing Allegations Surface

A disturbing report surrounding the Northwestern football program has some calling for the removal of head coach Pat Fitzgerald.

With the start of the 2023 college football season less than 50 days away, the Northwestern Wildcats are dealing with some explosive allegations that surfaced over the weekend - allegations that could cost head coach Pat Fitzgerald his job in the coming days. 

In a report published by The Daily Northwestern, allegations of hazing prompted a quick response that resulted in a two-week suspension for Fitzgerald. Now, upon further review, it sounds like Northwestern University President Michael Schill is considering a much more significant response. 

"Upon reflection, I believe I may have erred in weighing the appropriate sanction for Coach Fitzgerald," Schill said in a statement. "Coach Fitzgerald is not only responsible for what happens within the program but also must take great care to uphold our institutional commitment to the student experience and our priority to ensure all students - undergraduate and graduate - can thrive during their time at Northwestern.

CW: This story contains mention of hazing, sexual assault and suicidal ideation.

BREAKING: A former Northwestern football player is alleging that some of the hazing conduct that took place on the team involved coerced sexual acts. 🧵https://t.co/idm3mRYMdV

— The Daily Northwestern (@thedailynu) July 8, 2023

According to the report, a Northwestern player - who asked to remain anonymous - detailed hazing conduct within the football program that is disturbing to say the least. Here are just a few of the allegations that were made by the unnamed player:

The player, who asked to remain anonymous, said much of the hazing that took place centered around a practice dubbed “running,” which was used to punish team members, primarily freshman, for mistakes made on the field and in practice.

If a player was selected for “running,” the player who spoke to The Daily said, they would be restrained by a group of 8-10 upperclassmen dressed in various “Purge-like” masks, who would then begin “dry-humping” the victim in a dark locker room.

In a once-a-year tradition dubbed “the carwash,” the first player said that some players would stand naked at the entrance to the showers and spin around, forcing those entering the showers to “basically (rub) up against a bare-naked man.” Upon entering the showers, the player alleged that players set up a hose they connected to the shower to spray people.

“It’s extremely painful,” the player said.

The player also alleged that he witnessed and was forced to participate in what he called a naked center-quarterback exchange, wherein a freshman quarterback was forced to take an under-center snap from a freshman center, while both players were naked.

The player said that on one instance, another player was “very vocally adamant” about not wanting to participate in this exchange. Older players threatened to “run him” if he refused and there was “no other option,” according to the player.

“He was forced to engage in this,” the player said. “I wish I would have told him to transfer, because this is an absolutely abusive environment, and an environment in which the safety and well-being of players is not protected at all.”

The second player confirmed these allegations.

Following the release of the report, the Northwestern Football team released a statement of its own - denying the allegations and showing full support for their head coach. 

"The recent allegations brought forth are exaggerated and twisted," read a portion of the statement. "It is disheartening to see that the allegations brought forth against our team have been exaggerated and twisted into lies. These fabrications have been made with the intention of harming our program and tarnish the reputation of our dedicated players and coaching staff. We firmly deny the validity of these accusations and stand united in our assertion that they do not reflect the true character of our team.

"It is crucial to note that our Head Coach, Pat Fizgerald, was not involved in any of the alleged incidents in any way, shape, or form."

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

You can read the full story from The Daily Northwestern here.