Speaking at the Big Ten football media days, Northwestern University interim head football coach David Braun declined Wednesday to address reporters questions about the hazing allegations in the university's athletic program, saying he trusts the school will choose the right path forward. Several former players are suing the school, claiming the university's football program 'has had longstanding issues involving hazing and bullying that takes on a sexual and/or racist tone.' At least one ex-player is also suing former head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Typically, Big Ten football media days include the coach and three of his top players talking positively about the upcoming season. It's a feel good day for the program. Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern's coach for the past 17 years who was a star linebacker for the Wildcats and has been on the coaching staff since 2000, was fired July 10 after a hazing scandal in his program.
"I won't speak to current allegations," Braun said."Fully trust that our university is going through a process and will make decisions based on the facts. It was the first media appearance since the story broke for Gragg, who cited the"complexities of the legal situation" for not talking before. He said he and Northwestern President Michael Schill wanted to work inside out, and have had meetings with student-athletes, coaches, boosters, trustees and alumni before addressing the media.
"Every employee is afforded due process," Gragg said."That situation is being looked into and investigated." During Braun's session with the media, he walked the line between talking about how becoming a Big Ten head coach is a lifelong dream with not wanting to do it under these circumstances, and how he has been working with the players to try to move forward this season in an extremely difficult situation.
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