In the wake of accusations of hazing involving sexual abuse within the Northwestern University football program, players have issued a collective statement denying the allegations and expressing support for their head coach, Pat Fitzgerald. The statement comes after a former player detailed what he described as "egregious and vile" behavior within the team to The Daily Northwestern, leading to Fitzgerald's two-week suspension.

The players' statement, obtained by ESPN, categorically denies any tolerance of hazing within the program, emphasizing their commitment to a supportive and inclusive environment. They claim the allegations have been "exaggerated and twisted into lies" designed to damage the program's reputation. The team asserts that an independent, six-month investigation, involving interviews with players and staff, supports their position. They further maintain that Fitzgerald was unaware of the alleged incidents and has always prioritized player well-being.

The initial report detailed alleged hazing rituals, including simulated sexual acts performed by upperclassmen wearing masks on younger players who made mistakes during practice. The former player also claimed Fitzgerald was aware of the practice, using a hand signal during drills. Other alleged incidents involved forced nudity and excessive consumption of Gatorade shakes, leading to vomiting. The players' statement, however, firmly denies these claims and urges respect for the privacy of all involved.

Fitzgerald himself has denied any knowledge of the alleged hazing and expressed disappointment at the accusations. Northwestern University has mandated anti-hazing training for all coaches, staff, and athletes. The university president, Michael Schill, admitted in a separate statement that the initial two-week suspension of Fitzgerald might be reconsidered in light of the new allegations, suggesting he may have been too lenient in his initial response.