Pat Fitzgerald/Northwestern implosion

[Wake_Cane]

Student newspaper at northwestern blew open wild hazing practices in the football team that happen with encouragement from Pat Fitzgerald. Standard practice on the team that Freshman who mess up in practices get restrained bent over and then "dry humped" by 8-10 upperclassmen wearing halloween masks in front of the teammates. Fitz would often signal what freshman needed to be hazed. He's been suspended. His career is ovah and the solid program he'd built is going to get wiped out for years. Bad bad.

Former NU football player details hazing allegations

Content warning: This article contains mention of hazing, sexual assault and suicidal ideation. A former Northwestern University football player told The Daily some of the hazing conduct investigated by the university involved coerced sexual acts. A second player confirmed these details. The...

dailynorthwestern.com

 

[WeBallinBoyz]

This might be viewed poorly but I’ll say two things.

As someone that’s been on a collegiate sports team and undergone acts of hazing…it’s really supposed to be more about team camaraderie and bonding than it is punishment. I’ve undergone various drinking challenges, group activities, whatever you want to call it…and yet 95% of it was honestly pretty fun. Some kids didn’t drink on my team and the people in charge of said hazing event would either have them do other activities or drink O’douls (non-alcoholic beer). It was almost like an initiation of sorts, and then afterwards we’d all get hammered and you felt part of something bigger than yourself. Had maybe 3-4 events throughout our freshman year specifically targeted at us, then you’re “one of the guys”.

Now there’s times where it gets a bit over the top (you’re in college, I mean c’mon), but it was usually nipped in the butt immediately. I’m not going to speak on behalf of what happened at NW or any other universities, but the term hazing has a very negative connotation today (and rightfully so for the most part considering issues that have occurred at various Greek Life houses/orders).

Personally, the article really didn’t seem that bad. It’s worded much stronger than the actual allegations entail (consider the source as well, it’s Northwestern). I’ve heard of things 10x worse at fraternities or sororities across the country. The headline is incredibly misleading, but I do agree if someone refuses to take part in an event, that’s their right. No need to force it.

Curious to see what happens. Also I don’t think Fitzgerald is involved - I know he’s ultimately responsible for his players and their actions, but (for example) our coach had no idea what was being done outside of practice/games other than a couple parties here and there if we won.

 

[JgDaCane]

How many things are gonna happen in the little 10?

 

[hiphopanimal]

This might be viewed poorly but I’ll say two things.

As someone that’s been on a collegiate sports team and undergone acts of hazing…it’s really supposed to be more about team camaraderie and bonding than it is punishment. I’ve undergone various drinking challenges, group activities, whatever you want to call it…and yet 95% of it was honestly pretty fun. Some kids didn’t drink on my team and the people in charge of said hazing event would either have them do other activities or drink O’douls (non-alcoholic beer). It was almost like an initiation of sorts, and then afterwards we’d all get hammered and you felt part of something bigger than yourself. Had maybe 3-4 events throughout our freshman year specifically targeted at us, then you’re “one of the guys”.

Now there’s times where it gets a bit over the top (you’re in college, I mean c’mon), but it was usually nipped in the butt immediately. I’m not going to speak on behalf of what happened at NW or any other universities, but the term hazing has a very negative connotation today (and rightfully so for the most part considering issues that have occurred at various Greek Life houses/orders).

Personally, the article really didn’t seem that bad. It’s worded much stronger than the actual allegations entail (consider the source as well, it’s Northwestern). I’ve heard of things 10x worse at fraternities or sororities across the country. The headline is incredibly misleading, but I do agree if someone refuses to take part in an event, that’s their right. No need to force it.

Curious to see what happens. Also I don’t think Fitzgerald is involved - I know he’s ultimately responsible for his players and their actions, but (for example) our coach had no idea what was being done outside of practice/games other than a couple parties here and there if we won.

Totally stupid response.

 

[Dwinstitles]

Totally stupid response.

 

[grover]

This might be viewed poorly but I’ll say two things.

As someone that’s been on a collegiate sports team and undergone acts of hazing…it’s really supposed to be more about team camaraderie and bonding than it is punishment. I’ve undergone various drinking challenges, group activities, whatever you want to call it…and yet 95% of it was honestly pretty fun. Some kids didn’t drink on my team and the people in charge of said hazing event would either have them do other activities or drink O’douls (non-alcoholic beer). It was almost like an initiation of sorts, and then afterwards we’d all get hammered and you felt part of something bigger than yourself. Had maybe 3-4 events throughout our freshman year specifically targeted at us, then you’re “one of the guys”.

Now there’s times where it gets a bit over the top (you’re in college, I mean c’mon), but it was usually nipped in the butt immediately. I’m not going to speak on behalf of what happened at NW or any other universities, but the term hazing has a very negative connotation today (and rightfully so for the most part considering issues that have occurred at various Greek Life houses/orders).

Personally, the article really didn’t seem that bad. It’s worded much stronger than the actual allegations entail (consider the source as well, it’s Northwestern). I’ve heard of things 10x worse at fraternities or sororities across the country. The headline is incredibly misleading, but I do agree if someone refuses to take part in an event, that’s their right. No need to force it.

Curious to see what happens. Also I don’t think Fitzgerald is involved - I know he’s ultimately responsible for his players and their actions, but (for example) our coach had no idea what was being done outside of practice/games other than a couple parties here and there if we won.

Bro, freshmen QBs being forced to put their hands on freshmen centers’ nutsacks and other freshmen having to get dry humped and fake gangraped is seriously messed up. Those aren’t drinking games.

 

[Highline17]

This might be viewed poorly but I’ll say two things.

As someone that’s been on a collegiate sports team and undergone acts of hazing…it’s really supposed to be more about team camaraderie and bonding than it is punishment. I’ve undergone various drinking challenges, group activities, whatever you want to call it…and yet 95% of it was honestly pretty fun. Some kids didn’t drink on my team and the people in charge of said hazing event would either have them do other activities or drink O’douls (non-alcoholic beer). It was almost like an initiation of sorts, and then afterwards we’d all get hammered and you felt part of something bigger than yourself. Had maybe 3-4 events throughout our freshman year specifically targeted at us, then you’re “one of the guys”.

Now there’s times where it gets a bit over the top (you’re in college, I mean c’mon), but it was usually nipped in the butt immediately. I’m not going to speak on behalf of what happened at NW or any other universities, but the term hazing has a very negative connotation today (and rightfully so for the most part considering issues that have occurred at various Greek Life houses/orders).

Personally, the article really didn’t seem that bad. It’s worded much stronger than the actual allegations entail (consider the source as well, it’s Northwestern). I’ve heard of things 10x worse at fraternities or sororities across the country. The headline is incredibly misleading, but I do agree if someone refuses to take part in an event, that’s their right. No need to force it.

Curious to see what happens. Also I don’t think Fitzgerald is involved - I know he’s ultimately responsible for his players and their actions, but (for example) our coach had no idea what was being done outside of practice/games other than a couple parties here and there if we won.

Hazing is apart of sports, but northwestern is particularly bad. Coaches knowing and promoting hazing which include sexual assault. While yes frats have and continue to do worse stuff, that isn’t promoted (for the most part) and a lot of frats don’t do the really bad stuff anymore.

 

[Tad Footeball]

I usually like most people from Chicago but Northwestern alumni tend to be arrogant pricks in the mold of Wilbon. They'll try to sweep this under the rug because they're never going to do better than Fitzgerald there but it'll definitely expose what hypocrites they are.

As far as Fitzgerald, ain't gonna feel sorry for him at all. He got a little too full of himself and this is just indicative of it. Dude basically made it seem like the Bears job is his whenever he feels like taking it and now he's going to be lucky just to keep his college gig.

 

[Highline17]

Wonder if in anyway this effects their new football stadium. Investors and donors might steer clear off the program if this story blows up.

 

[LeavingJesusland]

hazing is ***

 

[Tony4Canes]

 

[Ispyin]

This might be viewed poorly but I’ll say two things.

As someone that’s been on a collegiate sports team and undergone acts of hazing…it’s really supposed to be more about team camaraderie and bonding than it is punishment. I’ve undergone various drinking challenges, group activities, whatever you want to call it…and yet 95% of it was honestly pretty fun. Some kids didn’t drink on my team and the people in charge of said hazing event would either have them do other activities or drink O’douls (non-alcoholic beer). It was almost like an initiation of sorts, and then afterwards we’d all get hammered and you felt part of something bigger than yourself. Had maybe 3-4 events throughout our freshman year specifically targeted at us, then you’re “one of the guys”.

Now there’s times where it gets a bit over the top (you’re in college, I mean c’mon), but it was usually nipped in the butt immediately. I’m not going to speak on behalf of what happened at NW or any other universities, but the term hazing has a very negative connotation today (and rightfully so for the most part considering issues that have occurred at various Greek Life houses/orders).

Personally, the article really didn’t seem that bad. It’s worded much stronger than the actual allegations entail (consider the source as well, it’s Northwestern). I’ve heard of things 10x worse at fraternities or sororities across the country. The headline is incredibly misleading, but I do agree if someone refuses to take part in an event, that’s their right. No need to force it.

Curious to see what happens. Also I don’t think Fitzgerald is involved - I know he’s ultimately responsible for his players and their actions, but (for example) our coach had no idea what was being done outside of practice/games other than a couple parties here and there if we won.

 

[Fightinibis]

This might be viewed poorly but I’ll say two things.

As someone that’s been on a collegiate sports team and undergone acts of hazing…it’s really supposed to be more about team camaraderie and bonding than it is punishment. I’ve undergone various drinking challenges, group activities, whatever you want to call it…and yet 95% of it was honestly pretty fun. Some kids didn’t drink on my team and the people in charge of said hazing event would either have them do other activities or drink O’douls (non-alcoholic beer). It was almost like an initiation of sorts, and then afterwards we’d all get hammered and you felt part of something bigger than yourself. Had maybe 3-4 events throughout our freshman year specifically targeted at us, then you’re “one of the guys”.

Now there’s times where it gets a bit over the top (you’re in college, I mean c’mon), but it was usually nipped in the butt immediately. I’m not going to speak on behalf of what happened at NW or any other universities, but the term hazing has a very negative connotation today (and rightfully so for the most part considering issues that have occurred at various Greek Life houses/orders).

Personally, the article really didn’t seem that bad. It’s worded much stronger than the actual allegations entail (consider the source as well, it’s Northwestern). I’ve heard of things 10x worse at fraternities or sororities across the country. The headline is incredibly misleading, but I do agree if someone refuses to take part in an event, that’s their right. No need to force it.

Curious to see what happens. Also I don’t think Fitzgerald is involved - I know he’s ultimately responsible for his players and their actions, but (for example) our coach had no idea what was being done outside of practice/games other than a couple parties here and there if we won.

Dude, I tell ya…I was going to make a joke earlier today about how this is what UM needs…a total bull**** joke, but the response to your post is what I expected.

You have to understand (not sure how old you are), that some of the tactics our coaches took when I played to motivate those that were like Pyle in Full Metal Jacket, couldn’t be handled by younger generations that are so woke they can’t see straight. They would want to call DHR if their high school coach cussed at them like we got.

All of that said, this was over the top bull**** if this is what was going on. If nothing else, the staff had to know going in how **** like this would be received.

For better or for worse, we are in softer times where more people are medicated and can’t handle “motivation” tactics like this or even real discipline. This **** is ridiculous and old fraternity to me, no real coaching staff these days could think this is a good idea.

 

[TheU1984]

I’m not going to jump all over WBB’s post like everyone else will. I can see where he’s coming from regarding initiations, brotherhood, and bonding. But that BS in the article is none of the above. It’s disgusting.

 

[Brains]

This **** just seems weird and gross.

 

[canecountry3]

This might be viewed poorly but I’ll say two things.

As someone that’s been on a collegiate sports team and undergone acts of hazing…it’s really supposed to be more about team camaraderie and bonding than it is punishment. I’ve undergone various drinking challenges, group activities, whatever you want to call it…and yet 95% of it was honestly pretty fun. Some kids didn’t drink on my team and the people in charge of said hazing event would either have them do other activities or drink O’douls (non-alcoholic beer). It was almost like an initiation of sorts, and then afterwards we’d all get hammered and you felt part of something bigger than yourself. Had maybe 3-4 events throughout our freshman year specifically targeted at us, then you’re “one of the guys”.

Now there’s times where it gets a bit over the top (you’re in college, I mean c’mon), but it was usually nipped in the butt immediately. I’m not going to speak on behalf of what happened at NW or any other universities, but the term hazing has a very negative connotation today (and rightfully so for the most part considering issues that have occurred at various Greek Life houses/orders).

Personally, the article really didn’t seem that bad. It’s worded much stronger than the actual allegations entail (consider the source as well, it’s Northwestern). I’ve heard of things 10x worse at fraternities or sororities across the country. The headline is incredibly misleading, but I do agree if someone refuses to take part in an event, that’s their right. No need to force it.

Curious to see what happens. Also I don’t think Fitzgerald is involved - I know he’s ultimately responsible for his players and their actions, but (for example) our coach had no idea what was being done outside of practice/games other than a couple parties here and there if we won.

 

[canecountry3]

I’m not going to jump all over WBB’s post like everyone else will. I can see where he’s coming from regarding initiations, brotherhood, and bonding. But that BS in the article is none of the above. It’s disgusting.

You're just as ******* dumb as the other guy.

 

[WeBallinBoyz]

Bro, freshmen QBs being forced to put their hands on freshmen centers’ nutsacks and other freshmen having to get dry humped and fake gangraped is seriously messed up. Those aren’t drinking games.

If they actually happened then yeah, that’s bad. Inexcusable. I’ll apologize because I also read it at 2:30 am over here in Europe and probably didn’t have the greatest comprehension skills going.

But speaking to two people that played sports there very recently (baseball and football)…they each said that’s not at all what happened. It’s being totally embellished. I hope the two people I spoke to are right because if not, then yeah Pat is a goner. I don’t condone anything of that nature so I apologize for speaking in that tone.

 

[SWFLHurricane]

Dude, I tell ya…I was going to make a joke earlier today about how this is what UM needs…a total bull**** joke, but the response to your post is what I expected.

You have to understand (not sure how old you are), that some of the tactics our coaches took when I played to motivate those that were like Pyle in Full Metal Jacket, couldn’t be handled by younger generations that are so woke they can’t see straight. They would want to call DHR if their high school coach cussed at them like we got.

All of that said, this was over the top bull**** if this is what was going on. If nothing else, the staff had to know going in how **** like this would be received.

For better or for worse, we are in softer times where more people are medicated and can’t handle “motivation” tactics like this or even real discipline. This **** is ridiculous and old fraternity to me, no real coaching staff these days could think this is a good idea.

No staff ever did this type of BS at UM EVER....I have many, many friends who played at UM. Were certain staffs tough af at UM??...He'll yes they were. But not this type of disgusting BS.

 

[DTP]

Dude, I tell ya…I was going to make a joke earlier today about how this is what UM needs…a total bull**** joke, but the response to your post is what I expected.

You have to understand (not sure how old you are), that some of the tactics our coaches took when I played to motivate those that were like Pyle in Full Metal Jacket, couldn’t be handled by younger generations that are so woke they can’t see straight. They would want to call DHR if their high school coach cussed at them like we got.

All of that said, this was over the top bull**** if this is what was going on. If nothing else, the staff had to know going in how **** like this would be received.

For better or for worse, we are in softer times where more people are medicated and can’t handle “motivation” tactics like this or even real discipline. This **** is ridiculous and old fraternity to me, no real coaching staff these days could think this is a good idea.

Lol. What’s wrong with these “woke” kids these days who don’t want their genitalia fondled and don’t like to be fake gang raped by other players? Back in the day players were tough enough to handle a little sexual assault.