Settlement Details
Former Northwestern football players are finalizing a settlement with the university, addressing lawsuits alleging hazing and abuse under ex-coach Pat Fitzgerald, with documents currently being finalized.
The settlement will resolve claims against Northwestern and Fitzgerald by the student plaintiffs, but Fitzgerald's $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit against the university remains unresolved.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
Fitzgerald, denied wrongdoing, claims wrongful termination and defamation, with his trial set for November. Meanwhile, the university hired Loretta Lynch to investigate the athletic department's culture.
The allegations, initially focused on the football team, included sexual abuse and racial discrimination, later spreading to other sports. Northwestern has since implemented measures to combat hazing.