Northwestern Football Players to Skip Big Ten Media Day Amid Hazing Scandal Fallout

The decision comes just a day before the media day will begin.

Northwestern football student-athlete representatives announced they have decided to forego attending Big Ten Media Day amid the hazing scandal discussion within the football program.

In a statement, linebacker Bryce Gallagher, defensive back Rod Heard II, and wide receiver Bryce Kirtz said they discussed the possibility of attending, but they believe it will be best to skip the day entirely.

“After talking with our parents, our teammates and Coach Braun, we have made the decision not to attend Big Ten Media Day,” the statement read. “… Given the recent events involving the Northwestern football program, we did not want our participation to be dominated by the hazing issue and steal focus away from the upcoming season.” 

A statement from our student-athlete representatives regarding Big Ten Media Day: pic.twitter.com/er6vCO3iRH

— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) July 25, 2023

Earlier this month, Northwestern fired coach Pat Fitzgerald after reports surfaced about hazing within the football program during his tenure. Before Fitzgerald was fired, Northwestern players stood by him in a statement that argued that the team did not tolerate hazing of any kind.

While the players will not attend media day, interim head coach David Braun will still likely be speaking. Braun joined Northwestern this year, initially as defensive coordinator, after several seasons with North Dakota State.

Big Ten Media Day is set to begin on Wednesday, July 26 and last through Thursday, July 27.