Pat Fitzgerald, the erstwhile coach of Northwestern University’s football team, has initiated legal proceedings against the university and its president, seeking damages to the tune of $130 million. The legal action has been triggered by his July dismissal, which was rooted in allegations of hazing within the Wildcats football franchise.
Fitzgerald’s lawyer, Dan Webb, laid out a series of charges against the university and its president, Michael Schill, during a recent press conference. He listed breaches of two separate contracts, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, and intentions for punitive damages among these allegations. The claims are aimed at bringing Northwestern and President Schill to account for the harms they’ve imposed on Fitzgerald and his family, resulting out of the incidents detailed in the lawsuit.
Webb declared that they are hunting for “out-of-pocket economic damages” approximately equalling to $130 million. Fitzgerald’s termination had been preceded by an independent exploration of the hazing claims by a former inspector general of Illinois. This investigation was launched in response to an anonymous email received at the closure of the 2022 season.
Investigative findings uncovered that 11 present and former players confirmed the ongoing hazing within the team. However, despite this discovery, the investigator found no credible evidence to suggest Fitzgerald was aware of it, and he has subsequently denied knowledge of the hazing.
An oral agreement prior to the pronouncement of Fitzgerald’s suspension assured him of no further disciplinary action, Webb alleged. He suggested that Fitzgerald was fired unlawfully a mere two to three days post the suspension announcement by the university.
Fitzgerald entered this oral agreement with the university to help them move past the hazing allegations, confirmed the lawsuit filed. Pursuing an understanding that he wouldn’t face additional consequences, Fitzgerald was promised that the matter would be laid to rest.
Jon Yates, Northwestern University spokesperson, expressed in a statement that the independent investigation left no doubts about hazing incidents occurring under Fitzgerald’s watch. Yates mentioned that Fitzgerald had a responsibility to be aware of and prevent the hazing, but he failed to fulfil his obligations.
“We remain confident that the University acted appropriately in terminating Fitzgerald and we will vigorously defend our position in court,” stated Yates. Fitzgerald’s lawsuit cites grave emotional distress caused to him and his family, due to the loss of comparable high-remunerating head coaching opportunities, which is anticipated to stretch over several years.
Fitzgerald’s attorney, Webb, stated during the press conference that his client’s reputation as an outstanding football coach had been tarnished without any solid reason or evidence. He referred to the act as despicable and expressed that Fitzgerald and his family deserved to seek justice in court which prompted the lawsuit.
Steve Levin, who is defending numerous former football players pursuing lawsuits concerning hazing against Fitzgerald, voiced that his clients won’t be discouraged by Fitzgerald’s lawsuit. He went on to challenge the merit of the $130 million lawsuit and questioned Webb’s actions, suggesting that they were primarily meant to instil fear and discourage people from coming forward. Nevertheless, Levin reiterated his clients’ courage, hoping they will take Fitzgerald’s lawsuit as a source of motivation.
