Northwestern Football Scandal: Northwestern’s mascot is a cat, so the “Cats” shirt. Sports team scandals were mentioned. “Despite the seriousness, it’s disappointing that Northwestern University and its football program haven’t shown sincere commitment,” said Steve Levin, who filed claims for eight former Northwestern football players with civil rights lawyer Ben Crump. Levin’s USA TODAY Sports response is typical.
The July 10 hazing controversy cost Pat Fitzgerald his coaching job. Everyone is cautious. Over 1.71 million people immediately saw Northwestern student Bradley Locker’s X app photo.
Locker’s photo caption revealed a distressing fact: some Northwestern coaches, like offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian, wore ‘Cats Against the World’ shirts with Pat Fitzgerald’s old jersey number 51. Northwestern football star Fitzgerald. He defended well in the ’90s.
Northwestern coaches were angry. “I’m upset that football staff wore ‘Cats Against the World’ T-shirts,” said Derrick Gregg, VP of athletics and leisure. Gregg told USA TODAY Sports that the institution strongly opposed the concept.
Gregg and the school were unaware of the shirts. He called the clothes disrespectful, insensitive, and inappropriate. Gregg said the school would investigate hazing situations thoroughly.
Jon Yates, the university’s VP of global marketing and publicity, has yet to respond. Yates didn’t respond when asked about instructions or acts related to teachers’ attire.
Hazing history worsened it. Over ten ex-athletes shared sexualized bullying experiences. The group hired a law firm to investigate.
The Daily Northwestern covered bullying on July 8. Bradley Locker, Inside NU’s co-editor-in-chief and Northwestern Class of 2025 member popularized CATW shirts.
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. attorney Parker Stinar made a good point in this conversation. Stinar, who supported these football players, said they were thrilled to wear Northwestern’s colors. The university’s policies caused racism, bigotry, and bullying, but pride doesn’t disguise it.
Stinar suggests focusing on victims in “Survivors vs. the World” instead of villains. This would start a new era where individuals take responsibility for past wrongs and work for a fairer and more open future.
Our Reader’s Queries
What was the hazing for Northwestern?
Former NFL running back and Northwestern football team captain, Noah Herron, spoke out on Friday about the coaches’ discriminatory behavior towards Black teammates during his time as a student. He revealed that they were forced to change their appearances, including cutting their hair, under the guise of “the Wildcat way.” This kind of behavior is unacceptable and needs to be addressed to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes.
What was the scandal at Northwestern?
The lawsuit claims that players in locker rooms would strip naked and force freshmen to do the same, followed by performing various acts. Additionally, Fitzgerald is accused of promoting a culture of racism by requiring players of color to cut their hair and behave differently to conform to the “Wildcat Way.”
What happened to the Northwestern football player that died?
In the early hours of October 12, the Natchitoches Police Department received a report of gunshots at The Quad complex. Upon arrival, they discovered Caldwell Jr. with multiple gunshot wounds. Sadly, he was pronounced dead by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office due to the severity of his injuries.
Where is Pat Fitzgerald now?
Fitzgerald, a volunteer assistant at Loyola Academy, is currently accompanying some of the school’s students, including his son Ryan, who plays as a quarterback, and Drew MacPherson, a 2025 running back, on unofficial visits to a game. Loyola Academy is a prep school located in Wilmette, Illinois.