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Grappling with the complicated legacy of Pat Fitzgerald

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Pat Fitzgerald has been fired.

A mere week ago, that sentence was inconceivable.

In a stunning but necessary turn of events, what seemed unthinkable just a few days ago, has transpired. After 17 seasons as Northwestern’s head coach, Fitzgerald has been let go for his failure to prevent hazing and a toxic environment within the school’s football program.

The Monday afternoon decision, although controversial, was the correct one. Whether Fitzgerald himself knew about or participated in the hazing is a moot point. The fact of the matter is that hazing transpired under the watch of Fitzgerald; he failed to protect his players.