Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Northwestern, Fitzgerald Settle Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
Former Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald and the university have come to an agreement, ending a lawsuit.
Fitzgerald was fired after accusations of hazing in the team.
Players were allegedly subjected to inappropriate acts in a dark locker room.
Fitzgerald said he didn't know about the hazing.
He had been a player, assistant coach, and head coach at Northwestern for many years.
The university had investigated the hazing allegations.
The details of the settlement are secret, but it concludes Fitzgerald's legal fight.
This is a resolution of a case that involved a lot of controversy for the university.
Northwestern University and Pat Fitzgerald settled a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit.
Fitzgerald was fired as head coach after hazing allegations within the football program.
Hazing allegations involved a ritual called "running," with degrading acts.
Fitzgerald, a Northwestern icon, stated he was unaware of the hazing.
The settlement's terms are confidential, resolving the legal battle.
- Who
- Northwestern University and Pat Fitzgerald
- What
- Settlement of a wrongful termination lawsuit.
- When
- August 21 (Thursday)
- Where
- Northwestern University
- Why
- To resolve the wrongful termination lawsuit filed by Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald's Stance
University Findings
Awareness of Hazing
Fitzgerald's Stance
Lack of Knowledge: Fitzgerald maintained he was unaware of the hazing incidents.
University Findings
Hazing Occurred: Hazing occurred within the football program.
- Lawsuit Amount
- $130 million
- Plaintiff
- Pat Fitzgerald
- Defendant
- Northwestern University
- Fitzgerald's Tenure as Coach
- 2006-2022
- Hazing Allegations
- "Running" ritual involving degrading acts.
- Fitzgerald's role
- Player, Assistant Coach, Head Coach