Pat Fitzgerald settles wrongful termination lawsuit after hazing scandal

In July 2023, Pat Fitzgerald was fired from his position as head football coach at Northwestern University after allegations of widespread hazing within the football program came to light. Following his termination, Fitzgerald filed a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit against the university, claiming he had no prior knowledge of the misconduct occurring in his program. He maintained that when he became aware of the hazing, he was 'incredibly upset' by its impact on the student athletes involved. After extensive legal proceedings, Northwestern and Fitzgerald reached a settlement agreement, which was announced on Thursday. The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed. Northwestern University's investigation into the hazing allegations revealed that a number of players reported hazing incidents occurring in the football program, yet the inquiry found no credible evidence indicating that Fitzgerald was aware of these activities. The university acknowledged in its statements that Fitzgerald never condoned or directed any hazing. While Fitzgerald was initially suspended for two weeks, he was later fired days after university president Michael Schill expressed his regret over only suspending Fitzgerald, suggesting that he had focused too much on what Fitzgerald did not know, instead of what he should have presumably known about the environment under his leadership. Fitzgerald's firing followed a turbulent time filled with media scrutiny and public outrage over the hazing allegations that had shaken the university’s football program. In a statement after the settlement, Fitzgerald insisted that he had worked diligently to maintain a respected program and emphasized that he took proactive measures to prevent misconduct, including hazing. He cited the stress and reputational harm that the allegations had already caused to him and his family over the past two years. Despite the turmoil surrounding his termination, Fitzgerald expressed a desire to move forward positively, stating he retains a deep respect for Northwestern as an institution. The settlement effectively ends a significant chapter in Fitzgerald’s long association with Northwestern University, where he served as a player before transitioning into a coaching role. During his tenure as head coach, Fitzgerald was regarded as a successful figure in Wildcats history. With the settlement now concluded, both parties have expressed readiness to move on, while Northwestern University has reiterated that steps will be put in place to prevent any future hazing incidents within its athletic programs.