Eight former Northwestern football players intend to sue the university over alleged “physical, sexual and emotional abuse” following the school’s investigation into hazing within the Wildcats program, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported Monday. The players have retained noted civil rights attorney Ben Crump for the lawsuit.
“Whether the coaches at Northwestern approved or participated in the harassment of these players or not, they are responsible for allowing and enabling a toxic, disgusting, and damaging culture in their programs,” Crump said, via Rittenberg.
Northwestern investigated the football program following claims of hazing by a former player and initially suspended head coach Pat Fitzgerald two weeks. However, after The Daily Northwestern reported details of the hazing, included accusations of coerced sexual acts, Northwestern fired Fitzgerald.
