I asked ChatGPT if Pat Fitzgerald committed any crimes.

[CoralSpringsCat]

There is no credible evidence or legal finding that Pat Fitzgerald committed a crime. To date, no criminal charges or indictments have been filed against him.

What happened?

1. Independent investigation and findings

• In July 2023, Northwestern commissioned a six-month investigation led by Maggie Hickey (a former Illinois inspector general). The investigation found hazing took place within the football program—including sexualized and degrading behavior—but did not find sufficient evidence that Coach Fitzgerald had actual knowledge of those activities .
• Investigators noted significant opportunities for Fitzgerald and his staff to learn of the hazing but did not conclude they were aware of it .

2. Disciplinary actions—not criminal

• Based on the findings, Northwestern suspended Fitzgerald for two weeks without pay and then fired him in July 2023, citing failure to stop the hazing culture under his leadership .
• His termination stemmed from university policy violations and leadership responsibility—not criminal wrongdoing.

3. Ongoing lawsuits, not criminal

• He has sued Northwestern for wrongful termination and other damages, seeking approximately $130 million in civil claims, including breach of contract and defamation .
• Former players have filed civil lawsuits as well, alleging hazing and racial discrimination. Many of those suits are being settled—some within months of the scandal—through mediation and court proceedings. A player settlement is close to final as of April 2025.

In summary:

• No criminal charges have been brought against Fitzgerald.
• There is no evidence he committed a crime.
• University investigators found hazing occurred under his tenure, and he bore institutional responsibility, but they did not conclude he knowingly participated.
• The matters raised remain in the civil realm, not criminal.

 

[CatManTrue]

There is no credible evidence or legal finding that Pat Fitzgerald committed a crime. To date, no criminal charges or indictments have been filed against him.

What happened?

1. Independent investigation and findings

• In July 2023, Northwestern commissioned a six-month investigation led by Maggie Hickey (a former Illinois inspector general). The investigation found hazing took place within the football program—including sexualized and degrading behavior—but did not find sufficient evidence that Coach Fitzgerald had actual knowledge of those activities .
• Investigators noted significant opportunities for Fitzgerald and his staff to learn of the hazing but did not conclude they were aware of it .

2. Disciplinary actions—not criminal

• Based on the findings, Northwestern suspended Fitzgerald for two weeks without pay and then fired him in July 2023, citing failure to stop the hazing culture under his leadership .
• His termination stemmed from university policy violations and leadership responsibility—not criminal wrongdoing.

3. Ongoing lawsuits, not criminal

• He has sued Northwestern for wrongful termination and other damages, seeking approximately $130 million in civil claims, including breach of contract and defamation .
• Former players have filed civil lawsuits as well, alleging hazing and racial discrimination. Many of those suits are being settled—some within months of the scandal—through mediation and court proceedings. A player settlement is close to final as of April 2025.

In summary:

• No criminal charges have been brought against Fitzgerald.
• There is no evidence he committed a crime.
• University investigators found hazing occurred under his tenure, and he bore institutional responsibility, but they did not conclude he knowingly participated.
• The matters raised remain in the civil realm, not criminal.

“Crimes” and “Fireable Offenses” are two very different things.

For all we know, Fitz has never gotten as much as a speeding ticket.

Law and Order!

 

[CatManTrue]

I asked ChatGPT if Fitz deserved to get Fired. This is a much more fair & balanced response. I can ask Grok next.


Whether Pat Fitzgerald “deserved” to be fired largely depends on how one weighs responsibility for team culture versus direct knowledge or involvement.

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Reasons for Firing​

1. Widespread Hazing Exposed
   An independent investigation revealed multiple instances of hazing: forced nudity, sexualized behavior, and “running” rituals degrading freshmen Axios+15ABC7 San Francisco+15AP News+15.
2. Leadership Responsibility
   University president Michael Schill emphasized that even without definitive proof Fitzgerald knew about the hazing, he bore ultimate responsibility as the leader and failed to prevent it CBS News+15AP News+15ESPN.com+15.
3. Delay in Effective Sanctions
   Initial punishment was just a two-week suspension, which many felt was insufficient once further details became public, leading to calls for stronger action Wikipedia+5ESPN.com+5AP News+5SI.
4. Poor Team Performance
   Although not the main reason cited, Northwestern dropped to a combined 4–20 over Fitzgerald’s final two seasons—adding pressure on his job security Wikipedia+5Reddit+5Chicago Sun-Times+5ESPN.com+15CBSSports.com+15AP News+15.

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Arguments Against It​

• Denied Knowledge
  Fitzgerald consistently asserted he was unaware of the hazing and the official probe found no credible evidence he directly knew SI+15ABC7 San Francisco+15Wikipedia+15.
• Support from Players and Alumni
  Many players, alumni, and former athletes backed Fitzgerald, criticizing what they saw as a rushed decision without due process AxiosAxios+2SI+2Chicago Sun-Times+2.
• Ongoing Legal Dispute
  Fitzgerald is suing Northwestern for $130 million, claiming wrongful termination and breach of agreement after the university allegedly broke a deal about suspension terms Axios+15AP News+15AP News+15.

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My Take​

Northwestern clearly framed the decision around culture and accountability, not the outcome on the field. The hazing was severe and systemic—regardless of whether Fitzgerald directly participated or was formally aware, as the head coach he was expected to detect, stop, or prevent it.

• From an institutional stance, holding him accountable aligns with leadership standards at universities, particularly in private, academically rigorous settings sensitive to reputation and student welfare.
• From a fairness standpoint, though, it’s understandable that Fitzgerald and some supporters feel the punishment was disproportionate, particularly given the absence of direct evidence.

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Final Assessment​

If you believe a head coach must ensure a completely safe, respectful environment—even if issues are hidden by players—then yes, firing was warranted. It sends a strong message that culture and accountability are non-negotiable.

If you lean toward requiring proof of knowledge or intent to justify dismissal, then perhaps the move felt rushed and overly punitive.

---

Final Word​

It comes down to how much weight you place on leadership accountability versus direct culpability. Given the scandal's severity and the university's messaging, it's clear they felt Fitzgerald “should have known and should have acted.” That basis, from the board’s and president’s view, was enough to justify his firing—even amid significant support for him.

 

[NJCat]

Fitz could have been fired at any time, for any reason. If not fired for Cause, he would be owed money according to the terms of his contact. That is what I believe the law suit is all about.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

He’ll get his money.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

Pat Paterno

 

[CatManTrue]

Pat Paterno

It is just too apropos.

Two careers ruined by their self-created bubbles, ego, and indifference.

Will NU’s Paterno coach again?

 

[CoralSpringsCat]