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The Northwestern football program was hit with a hazing scandal this offseason resulting in the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald. The controversy sent shockwaves through the college football world, with fans, media, and player reacting to the news.
Now, parents of those Northwestern players are speaking out. They’ve reportedly grown frustrated with how the situation was handled.
According to a story from WildcatReport, parents are angry.
The feeling of discontent comes in direct response to administration relieving Fitzgerald of his duties. In what’s been a whirlwind of a week, the university originally handed down a two-week suspension following an investigation into the program.
That investigation failed to prove Fitzgerald had any knowledge of the alleged hazing, but despite receiving no new findings, Northwestern opted to cut ties with its 17-year leader a few short days later.
The decision came amid public outrage from fans and media.
Players claimed to have found out about the firing on social media with administrators later confirming the reports via Zoom.
Parents of those Northwestern players have now spoken out.
“The [administration] caused this s—show,” said one parent according to the WildcatReport. “And it’s the [administration] that should clean it up. It shouldn’t be on the boys to do it. They’ve had enough.”
“There just isn’t any excuse for these players to find out on social media,” wrote another. “Also, for you to address them via Zoom, and take no questions? Nothing from the President to the players? I’m disgusted with how this has been handled every step of the way.”
The parents, according to the report, remained anonymous as to not have backlash for their children, who are still team members.
Drama continues to surround the Northwestern football program, and the athletic department as a whole following allegations against the baseball team, too. It will be interesting to see where the school goes from here.