In what can be likened to a thrilling fourth-quarter twist in a high-stakes football game, the fired Northwestern football coach, Pat Fitzgerald, has launched a lawsuit, alleging both defamation and breach of contract. He’s seeking a staggering sum of $130 million in damages.
Northwestern Football Coach Suspension and Termination
The backdrop to this courtroom showdown stems from a suspension handed to the northwestern football coach Fitzgerald this past July. Following a painstaking six-month probe, the school unearthed hazing incidents marred within the football fraternity. However, the investigation did drop a bombshell: it’s highly probable that the coaching staff, including Fitzgerald, were in the dark about these occurrences. Despite such findings, Northwestern didn’t hesitate to show Fitzgerald the exit doors shortly thereafter.
Casting Shadows of Doubt
Fitzgerald’s legal eagle, Dan Webb from the powerhouse firm Winston & Strawn LLP, didn’t mince words during a riveting Thursday news conference. Directing his crosshairs at Northwestern and its helm, President Michael H. Schill, Webb artfully sowed seeds of skepticism. Drawing parallels to a plot twist in a mystery novel, Webb hinted at the possibility that the whistleblower, who brought the hazing to light, might not be the most impartial witness. Could this individual harbor resentment against Fitzgerald and Northwestern?
