Northwestern penetrating allegation of football hazing
Northwestern has initiated an investigation into a claims of hazing within its football program, the school stated in a statement to ESPN on Wednesday.The school was made aware of the allegation after the 2022 season, according to the declaration. The university has worked with an independent attorney, Maggie Hickey of the law office ArentFox Schiff, to lead the query. Northwestern stated Hickey’s examination will likely consist of interviews with players, coaches and staff members.”While we do not yet know whether the claims are true
, hazing is prohibited by university policy, and we take these claims seriously,”Northwestern’s statement checked out.”The health, safety and wellness of our trainees is the first concern. The inquiry remains in its extremely early phases and will be carefully fair to everybody in this procedure. It will focus on event realities and will not leap to conclusions. Northwestern highly supports members of our neighborhood who come forward with issues and encourages anybody to report those concerns to the university.”Athletic director Derrick Gragg informed players and coaches of the query on Wednesday, according to a source.Northwestern did not define if the allegation originated from a player or involved players, coaches or personnel.
The school stated its athletic department will completely cooperate with Hickey during the investigation. “The purpose of Ms. Hickey’s examination is to find the underlying reality of the accusations– including the scope of any possible hazing activity or harmful culture,”the declaration concluded.Northwestern’s season ended in late November with a 1-11 record, the team’s worst considering that it went winless in 1989.
Coach Pat Fitzgerald, a former nationwide defensive player of the year at the school, has actually led the program because 2006.