Ex-Northwestern manager Pat Fitzgerald filed a wrongful termination lawsuit today vs. the university and the chief Michael Schill. Pat seeks 130 million dollars for lost income and reputational and punitive damages.
Fitzgerald alleges NU unlawfully dismissed him for cause during the summer, 3 days after announcing a 2-week suspension as part of corrective measures from a university-commissioned hazing probe into his knowledge. The university investigation found insufficient evidence to be certain that Fitzgerald and other managers knew the information shared by an ex-player.
Pat Fitzgerald is suing Northwestern for $130 million.
• $68 million in owed salary
• $62 million in future lost incomeThe former head football coach says he was wrongfully fired in the wake of a hazing and abuse scandal.https://t.co/7ik07uOHeB
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 6, 2023
His attorney shared that Pat and the university reached an “oral agreement” before the 14-day suspension that the manager would face no further discipline from Northwestern.
“The fact my client’s contract was terminated based on no rational reasons or facts, the fact that they’ve gone out and ruined his reputation as 1 of the best football managers in the USA, based on no legitimate reason or evidence, can’t be tolerated,” his lawyer announced.