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
Texas school gathers supplies to help flood-impacted locals after spotlight moves on

Texas school gathers supplies to help flood-impacted locals after spotlight moves on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As Texas families in…
Chicago NASCAR race: 3rd annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race takes off in Grant Park for 2nd day with Cup Series race

NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Cup Series event continues for 2nd day in Grant Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s third annual NASCAR Street Race will hit the…
Sean 'Diddy' Combs gets standing ovation from inmates after court victory, his lawyer says

Inmates Give Standing Ovation to Sean 'Diddy' Combs After Court Win: Lawyer

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs got a standing ovation from…
Two-time cancer survivor running first half marathon

Get a sneak peek: Onyx Collective announces premiere date of season 3 “Reasonable Doubt” on Hulu, shares first-look photos

Court is in session! Onyx Collective’s hit legal drama, “Reasonable Doubt,” is…
Father outraged after discovering daughter's alleged killer should have been behind bars years ago

Father outraged after discovering daughter’s alleged killer should have been behind bars years ago

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An already grieving father…
Chiefs owner's wife confirms tragic family death in Texas floods

Owner of Chiefs’ Wife Confirms Heartbreaking Family Death in Texas Floods

The wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has confirmed the tragic loss…
Kerrville resident recounts escape from flood waters that overtook his home

Kerrville man shares his experience fleeing from floods that engulfed his house

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
New Jersey Coast Guard swimmer rescues nearly 200 people in deadly Texas flash floods that killed 68

New Jersey Coast Guard swimmer rescues nearly 200 people in deadly Texas flash floods that killed 68

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A United States Coast…