Anti-hazing, pro-NU: Ex-athletes sign letter en masse
About 1,000 former Northwestern athletes sent a letter condemning hazing while defending the school’s culture, saying allegations of abuse within the football program and on other men’s and women’s teams don’t reflect their experiences.
“We strongly condemn hazing in any form and firmly believe it has no place in collegiate sports or, for that matter, in university life, period,” the letter obtained by the Associated Press on Thursday reads. “The allegations being made are troubling, and we support the university’s efforts to fully investigate these claims. However, these allegations do not represent or define the overall athletics culture at Northwestern.”
NU is facing more than a dozen lawsuits across multiple sports. Allegations include sexual abuse of players by teammates, as well as racist comments by coaches and racebased assaults.
Football coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired last month after 17 seasons. Baseball coach Jim Foster also was let go after one year amid allegations he created a toxic environment.
The letter was signed by 1,004 people, including 277 former football players and four football managers, two student trainers and three mascots. The signees include athletes who graduated between 1954 and 2023.
“The level of competitiveness required in college athletics is formidable, and the same is required in the classroom at NU,” the letter read. “The opportunity to compete at this level in both the classroom and in our respective sports is unique and deeply valued. These experiences were the building blocks for each of our lives after graduation. This is the Northwestern we proudly came to know and appreciate, and for which we are immensely grateful.”
The letter also said NU has “a remarkable culture that fosters excellence in sports, academics and community development.”
Former NU tennis player Alexis Prousis, a two-time All-American who won an NCAA title, told ESPN the former Wildcats athletes “share the anger, sadness and frustration” following the allegations of hazing and mistreatment.
“We condemn hazing of any kind and support the victims during their time of healing and recovery,” said Prousis, a past president of Northwestern’s N Club, which connects former athletes to the school. “What we must remember throughout this difficult time is that the actions of a few do not and should not define the university and athletics as a whole.”