The Latest Breaking News from Northwestern University

Not lost on some, how convenient that this decades-old pattern and practice is investigated and goes public during Derrick Gragg’s rare tenure as one of the few existing Black men overseeing a D1 program

A former football player at Northwestern, identified only as John Doe 3, alleges Northwestern University and its leadership fostered a culture of hazing and abuse.

CHICAGO — Another lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Northwestern University by a former football player, alleging that ex-coach Pat Fitzgerald took part in hazing and bullying athletes.

“We’re talking about probably hundreds, if not thousands of events of abuse, harassment or sexual assault during his tenure,” attorney Parker Stinar said at a Wednesday morning news conference.

The player, identified in the lawsuit as John Doe, alleged Tuesday in the Cook County Court that Fitzgerald, Northwestern University President Michael Schill, the board of trustees and athletic director Derrick Gragg enabled and concealed sexual misconduct and racial discrimination.

Black athletes long have been involved in battles beyond the athletic field. The university’s culture didn’t become toxic overnight.

When I read about the allegations of rampant sexual violence in the Northwestern University football program, I was horrified. But sadly, I wasn’t surprised. As a cheerleader, I, too, was a victim of sexual abuse and harassment at Northwestern University, and school officials did nothing to stop it.

Eight former Northwestern University football players who say they were subjected to hazing are being represented for expected legal action by prominent attorney Ben Crump and the Chicago firm Levin & Perconti.

CHICAGO — Repercussions from Northwestern University’s football hazing scandal have thrown the Big Ten school’s athletic department into upheaval in just a matter of days, spurring leadership shake-ups, football recruits decommitting from the team and concerns over possible legal action.