Northwestern hazing scandal: University finalizing settlement with former football players in alleged hazing scandal
Share and Follow

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.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The hazing scandal goes back to 2023 when former football players claimed they experienced hazing, racism and sexual abuse within Northwestern’s football program.

Former head coach Pat Fitzgerald was initially suspended when an investigation found that coaches were not aware of hazing incidents, but had opportunities to find out about them.

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

Fitzgerald, who coached the Wildcats for 17 seasons, maintains he didn’t know about the hazing and filed a multi-million dollar counter lawsuit claiming breach of contract. His lawsuit is still ongoing.

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

SEE ALSO: Northwestern hazing scandal: Attorneys for ex-NU coach Pat Fitzgerald announce lawsuit

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.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Mysterious Dead Sea Scrolls code cracked revealing biblical writings

Ancient Code of Dead Sea Scrolls Deciphered, Unveiling Hidden Biblical Texts

In a groundbreaking achievement over seven decades in the making, a scientist…
Germany warns Russia could attack NATO by 2029 as intelligence threat assessments mount

Putin Pledges Triumph in Ukraine as Trump-Supported Peace Talks Gain Momentum

In a resolute New Year’s address, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a…
'See you in court': Muslim civil rights group responds to terrorist designation by Florida governor

Florida Tops U.S. Execution Charts in 2025: Unveiling the Reasons Behind the Record-Breaking Trend

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As 2023 draws to a close, Florida has…
Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor at historic subway station

Historic Subway Swearing-In: Zohran Mamdani Takes NYC Mayoral Helm

In the early hours of Thursday, Zohran Mamdani ascended to the role…
Leonardo DiCaprio flaunts weight loss with younger girlfriend

Leonardo DiCaprio Showcases Weight Loss Alongside Younger Partner

As we edge closer to the new year, Leonardo DiCaprio appears to…
Disney World worker is injured trying to stop runaway boulder at Indiana Jones show

Disney World Employee Injured While Attempting to Halt Rolling Boulder at Indiana Jones Attraction

An employee at Walt Disney World got injured while trying to halt…
What are federal child care funds? What to know amid planned funding freeze

Exploring Federal Child Care Funds: Key Insights as Funding Freeze Looms

The Trump administration has announced a nationwide suspension of child care funding…
Fireworks cause major house fire in Florida on New Year's Day

New Year’s Fireworks Spark Significant House Blaze in Florida

In Riverview, Florida, a dramatic scene unfolded early Thursday morning as fireworks…