Northwestern University and President Michael Schill were sued on Oct. 5 in Illinois Circuit Court for Cook County by former NU football coach Patrick Fitzgerald. The lawsuit, filed by Winston & Strawn, brings claims for breach of contract and defamation in connection with Fitzgerald's termination 'for cause' in the aftermath of an inquiry into hazing activity involving the football team. The suit alleges that the defendants breached a binding, oral contract that limited repercussions against Fitzgerald to a two-week suspension and that the president's statement regarding Fitzgerald's termination was false and defamatory. Counsel have not yet appeared for the defendants. The case is 2023L010135, Fitzgerald v. Northwestern University.
October 07, 2023, 3:50 AM