Northwestern AD Derrick Gragg rebukes ‘tone deaf’ shirts worn by coaches supporting Pat Fitzgerald

Northwestern athletic director Derrick Gragg expressed sadness over “tone deaf” shirts worn Wednesday by more than one Wildcats coaches and workforce participants in an obvious act of reinforce for former trainer Pat Fitzgerald. The blouse displayed the word “Cats Against the World” and featured a No. 51, which was once the jersey quantity Fitzgerald wore throughout his days as a participant at Northwestern. Fitzgerald was once fired in July amid in style hazing allegations inside the program.

“I am extremely disappointed that a few members of our football program staff decided to wear ‘Cats Against the World’ shirts,” Gragg said in a statement. “Neither I nor the university was aware that they owned or would wear these shirts today. The shirts are inappropriate, offensive and tone deaf. Let me be crystal clear: Hazing has no place at Northwestern, and we are committed to do whatever is necessary to address hazing-related issues, including thoroughly investigating any incidents or allegations of hazing or any other misconduct.” 

Fitzgerald, who guided the Wildcats since 2006, was once to begin with suspended for 2 weeks with out pay following an investigation however later fired after the varsity revisited the punishment. First-year defensive coordinator David Braun was once increased to the position of meantime trainer for the 2023 season. Braun, when requested concerning the shirts worn by a number of workforce participants, said it was once his position to reinforce avid gamers earlier than including that “it is not my business to censor anyone’s free speech.”

Several proceedings had been filed on behalf of former Northwestern avid gamers in opposition to the college and management within the time since Fitzgerald’s go out. One of the proceedings, filed on behalf of former Wildcats soccer participant Lloyd Yates, alleged that coaches on Fitzgerald’s workforce weren’t best conscious about accused hazing actions, however had been even topic to them every now and then. Attorney Ben Crump, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of Yates, stated throughout a July press conference that he deliberate to document no less than 30 particular person proceedings stemming from the allegations at Northwestern. 

Northwestern starts the 2023 season Sunday, Sept. 3 at Rutgers.