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Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald received a two-week unpaid suspension stemming from an independent investigation into hazing within the football program.
The school announced Friday that Fitzgerald’s suspension begins immediately.
Other disciplinary measures include discontinuing football practices at Camp Kenosha in Wisconsin; monitoring of the football locker room by someone who doesn’t report to the football staff; creation of an online tool for student-athletes to anonymously report incidents of hazing or potential hazing; and provide annual mandatory anti-hazing training for coaches, staff members and student-athletes.
The school said in a statement to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg on Jan. 11 it initiated an investigation into an allegation of hazing within the football program made after the 2022 season:
“While we do not yet know whether the allegations are true, hazing is prohibited by university policy, and we take these claims seriously. The health, safety and well-being of our students is the first priority. The inquiry is in its very early stages and will be rigorously fair to everyone in this process. It will focus on gathering facts and will not jump to conclusions. Northwestern strongly supports members of our community who come forward with concerns and encourages anyone to report those concerns to the university.”
Rittenberg noted Northwestern athletic director Derrick Gragg informed players and coaches of the inquiry on the same day the statement was released.
Northwestern didn’t specify if the allegation involved players, coaches or staff members.
The 2022 Wildcats went 1-11 with 11 consecutive losses after a season-opening win over Nebraska in Ireland on Aug. 27. It was the second consecutive losing season and third in the past four years for the program.
Fitzgerald is entering his 18th season as Northwestern head coach. The 48-year-old has a 110-101 career record. He played linebacker for the program from 1993 to ’96.
Northwestern is scheduled to open the 2023 season on Sept. 3 against Rutgers at SHI Stadium.
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