• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 13, 2025
Law

Pat Fitzgerald Sues Northwestern $130M For Wrongful Termination

  • The sum would cover $68 million in owed salary and $62 million in future lost income.
  • The former Northwestern head football coach claims he was unaware of hazing inside his program.
Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald looks on during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Pat Fitzgerald is suing the university that employed him as head football coach for 17 years, alleging he was wrongfully fired following an investigation into hazing and racism within the program.

The 48-year-old is seeking $130 million in the lawsuit: $68 million in owed salary from the 10-year contract extension he signed in 2021 and $62 million in future lost income. Fitzgerald’s attorney Dan K. Webb, also said the financial restitution would cover “infliction of emotional distress.”

“If there was ever a coach at Northwestern University who should have not been terminated, it’s Coach Fitzgerald,” Webb said at a press conference.

Fitzgerald obtained legal counsel shortly after his termination in July. The former Northwestern head coach claims he was unaware of hazing inside his program — a statement backed up by a probe led by attorney Maggie Hickey. However, that report also noted “significant opportunities” to discover it.

“As head coach of the football program for 17 years, Patrick Fitzgerald was responsible for the conduct of the program,” Northwestern University said in a statement Thursday. “He had the responsibility to know that hazing was occurring and to stop it. He failed to do so.” The university added that it believes it “acted appropriately in terminating Fitzgerald.”

As of early August, nine Northwestern football players and one Northwestern volleyball player had filed or were prepared to file lawsuits against the university over allegations of sexual, physical, emotional, and racist abuse. Fitzgerald isn’t the only person retaining legal counsel regarding this issue.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti watches game play against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium.

How Indiana Quietly Became a Big Spender in Football

The Hoosiers are ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll, the highest in program history.

College Football Coach Firings Nearing $100M in Contract Buyouts

Two other coaches besides James Franklin were fired Sunday.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Feb 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Toronto Raptors forward Jonathon Mogbo (2) chase after a loose ball during the second half at Scotiabank Arena.

Knicks, Raptors Agree to Drop Suit Over ‘Mole’ Accused of Stealing

The Knicks had sought more than $10 million in damages.
Oct 7, 2018; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) talk with each other after the Bengals defeated the Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Former Dolphins Safety Lands $9.5M Settlement in Advisor Theft Case

Reshad Jones accused his former financial advisor of stealing almost $2.6 million.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.
October 10, 2025

Judge Dismisses Drake’s Super Bowl Defamation Suit

The judge said diss tracks aren’t considered facts.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Aug 19, 2022; Delaware, OH, USA; More than 1,700 Olentangy Berlin High School students celebrate being named ‘Most Spirited High School in the Country’ by Varsity Brands. The school celebrated with a pep rally in the auditorium.
October 9, 2025

Varsity Brands, PE Owner Face $200M Suit Claiming Systemic Sexual Abuse

Defendants are accused of a coordinated conspiracy.
Hymie Elhai
October 8, 2025

Jets Say Execs Tried to Sink Team President in Bumbling Conspiracy

The team says thousands of deleted text messages show the plot.
Brian Flores
October 7, 2025

Court Again Rejects NFL Request to Send Flores Case to Arbitration

The NFL has tried to keep the case out of open court.
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans former quarterbacks Mark Sanchez (left) and Matt Leinart watch from the sidelines during the Pac-12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium.
October 6, 2025

Mark Sanchez, Fox Sports Sued Over Alley Fight That Turned Bloody

The high-profile incident took place Saturday night in Indianapolis.