Three former football players from Northwestern University have filed new lawsuits against the university and head football coach Pat Fitzgerald, alleging hazing and mistreatment during their time on the team. The lawsuits, which were filed in Cook County Circuit Court, claim that the players were subjected to physical and emotional abuse by team members and coaching staff.
The players, who are identified as John Doe 1, John Doe 2, and John Doe 3 in the lawsuits, allege that they were forced to engage in demeaning and humiliating activities as part of the team’s hazing rituals. According to their attorneys, the players suffered lasting physical and emotional harm as a result of the abuse.
Northwestern University has released a statement in response to the lawsuits, stating that they take all allegations of misconduct seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation into the claims. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald has also denied the allegations, calling them “outrageous and baseless.”
This is not the first time that Northwestern has been embroiled in controversy surrounding its football program. In 2020, former player Brian Peters filed a lawsuit against the university and several members of the coaching staff, alleging that he was forced to play through a serious injury and was subsequently mistreated by coaches.
The lawsuits come at a time when there is increased scrutiny on the culture of college football programs and the treatment of student-athletes. Northwestern University has vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is found.
For now, the former players are seeking damages for the harm they allege they suffered while playing for Northwestern. The lawsuits are expected to proceed through the legal system in the coming months.
Source
Photo credit news.google.com