Northwestern University Settling with former football players in hazing scandal

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — A settlement being finalized in the football hazing scandal at Northwestern University.

The university says it’s gone through a mediation process and a settlement is now being finalized with players who alleged being hazed.

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The hazing scandal began in 2023 after ex-football players reported instances of hazing, racism, and sexual abuse in Northwestern University’s football program.

Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was temporarily suspended following an investigation which revealed that although the coaching staff was unaware of the hazing, they had chances to uncover the incidents.

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Days later, Northwestern’s president fired Fitzgerald, saying he should have known under his watch.

Despite coaching the Wildcats for 17 seasons, Fitzgerald insists that he was not informed about the hazing activities and has countered with a multi-million dollar lawsuit citing breach of contract, a legal battle that is currently unresolved.

Meanwhile, the scandal led to lawsuits across multiple sports at the university.

Northwestern implemented new anti-hazing policies as a result of an investigation by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

Since a settlement is being worked out, Northwestern is now asking the court to push the start of the trial from later this year to 2026.

The settlement that’s being finalized, the university says, would fully resolve the students’ claims against Northwestern and Fitzgerald.