Northwestern football players deny 'disheartening' hazing accusations, defend head coach Pat Fitzgerald

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Northwestern University football players released a joint statement Saturday night following allegations that the team conducted hazing involving sexual abuse with head coach Pat Fitzgerald knowing about it. 

A report from The Daily Northwestern had a former player detailing allegations of "absolutely egregious and vile and inhumane behavior" that took place within the organization. It ultimately led the university to suspend Fitzgerald for two weeks this past Friday. 

However, the "ENTIRE Northwestern Football Team" penned a letter, obtained by ESPN, to push back on the claims in that report. 

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Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Bryce Gallagher reacts after making a tackle against the Purdue Boilermakers on Nov. 19, 2022, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"Northwestern Football players DO NOT tolerate hazing," the letter read. "We want to reiterate that as representatives of the Northwestern Football program, we do not tolerate hazing in any form. Hazing goes against our values of respect, integrity, and personal growth. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes the well-being and development of every individual on our team.

"It is disheartening to see that the allegations brought forth against our team have been exaggerated and twisted into lies. These fabrications have been made with the intention of harming our program and tarnish the reputation of our dedicated players and coaching staff. We firmly deny the validity of these accusations and stand united in our assertion that