Amid the disturbing hazing allegations within Northwestern’s football program that resulted in a two-week suspension of coach Pat Fitzgerald, the players responded with their own statement on Saturday night.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg shared a statement, signed by “The ENTIRE Northwestern Football Team”, contradicting allegations of alleged coerced sexual acts that were reported by The Daily Northwestern, the school’s student newspaper.
“Northwestern Football players DO NOT tolerate hazing,” the statement read. “We want to reiterate that as representatives of the Northwestern Football program, we do not tolerate hazing in any form. Hazing goes against our values of respect, integrity, and personal growth.”
Fitzgerald’s suspension was instated after investigators concluded that while they could not prove the coach was aware of hazing, allegations made by a whistleblower were “largely supported by evidence.” Saturday’s report from The Daily Northwestern included anonymous interviews with players who made graphic claims of hazing, including coerced sexual acts in which masked upperclassmen would “dry-hump” players to punish them for mistakes.
One player described the team as having an “abrasive and barbaric culture,” and said he believed Fitzgerald knew about the acts of hazing.
In the response, the players claimed that the allegations are both “exaggerated and twisted.”
“It is disheartening to see that the allegations brought forth against our team have been exaggerated and twisted into lies,” the statement read. “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.”
The players also said they didn’t believe Fitzgerald had any knowledge of acts of hazing.
“Throughout his tenure, Coach Fitzgerald has consistently prioritized the well-being and development of his players, and we stand behind him in his unwavering commitment to our team,” the statement read. “Our team remains committed to our Head Coach and upholding the values of Northwestern University and fostering a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.”
