Attorneys from Chicago law firms representing former Northwestern football players alleging they were victims of sexual, physical and emotional issue statement responding to former Coach Pat Fitzgerald’s lawsuit

JOINT STATEMENT FROM ATTORNEYS

The filing of the lawsuit by former coach Patrick Fitzgerald is clearly all about financial gain for him and is incredibly tone deaf in defending his actions. His complaint ironically details claims that he was deeply involved in each player's life, mental health, academic career, athletic performance and potential after graduation... all of which actually supports what we've been saying all along, that given the head coach's proximity he knew or should have known what was happening in his program. This is the legal standard: knew or should have known about the abuse, and we feel strongly that the civil lawsuits brought by his former players have merit.  Together we represent numerous former players who have provided detailed allegations of abuse.  We are united in our goal to get them the justice they deeply deserve.

Further, this filing re-traumatizes our clients and is utterly insensitive to the experience of a survivor of sexual assault and hazing.

Let us be very clear: We believe our clients. These men have summoned the courage to come forward to break the silence and share details of deeply personal trauma.  Hazing of this nature, particularly when it involves activities and degradation of a sexual nature, is traumatic and life-changing. We will fiercely advocate for them and fight to get them the justice they deserve and for the community to understand the truth of what happened inside the Northwestern Football Program.

WHO: Attorneys from Levin & Perconti, Ben Crump Law, Romanucci & Blandin and Hart McLaughlin & Eldridge