Wildcats interim coach won’t address allegations

Northwestern interim coach David Braun had to know all eyes would be focused on him at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis despite being one the conference’s newest faces, writes Phil Thompson of the Chicago Tribune.

Northwestern is facing a mountain of scrutiny from a hazing scandal involving allegations of sexual abuse, which have resulted in multiple lawsuits and the dismissal of Braun’s former boss, Pat Fitzgerald.

“I never could have imagined, nor did I desire, to become a head coach under these types of circumstances,” said Braun, who was hired in January as defensive coordinator. “That said, I’m honored to lead this group moving forward.”

Braun (pictured) was the only representative to face the full brunt of the media Wednesday. Three Wildcats players opted out of attending the event, saying it was a “very difficult” decision but one they made to avoid stealing focus from the upcoming season.

Since the allegations, Braun said he has had one-on-one interviews with the majority of players.

“I have found a team that has come together, that truly loves one another and has an incredible resolve to attack the 2023 season and write their own story about overcoming adversity.

“Let me be clear, this football team will be ready to go.”

However, Braun sidestepped a question from The Athletic’s Kalyn Kahler about whether he plans to investigate current assistant coaches’ involvement in the alleged abuse.

USA Today reported last week that associate head coach Matt McPherson allegedly saw players doing naked pullups and laughed about it and witnessed players dry-humping other players in a ritual punishment called “running,” according to a former player.

Former NU quarterback Lloyd Yates alleged in a lawsuit filed Monday that he admitted to Jay Hooten, director of sports performance for football, that players had gone out partying on a previous occasion, Hooten “then announced to the players that Yates had ‘ratted them out’ and assigned additional workout exercises to the group.

“After the workout in the locker room, Yates was ‘ran.’ ”