B1G Notebook: Hazing A Focus for Conference

Northwestern Scandal Leads Conversation at Day 1 of League Media Gathering

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald (right) and the Wildcats during the national anthem before a game against Iowa on Oct. 29, 2022 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

INDIANAPOLIS — David Braun’s reading of his written statement took nearly all of his time at the main podium at Big Ten football media days on Wednesday.

Braun, named Northwestern’s interim coach after Pat Fitzgerald’s firing over widespread allegations of hazing within the Wildcats’ program, said he has challenged his team on how to move forward.

“A lot of people have been impacted by decisions made, by the decisions that have been made over the course of the last couple weeks, and our guys right now in that facility are going through a lot,” Braun said. “We have an opportunity to either run from that or an opportunity to truly stare that adversity in the face, stare it down, and go attack this opportunity to make this fall an incredible story that truly embodies what this team is all about.”

Braun was the only Northwestern representative to appear at the event at Lucas Oil Stadium. Players Bryce Gallagher, Rod Heard II and Bryce Kirtz announced on Tuesday they would not be attending, saying in a statement, “We did not want our participation to be dominated by the hazing issue and steal the focus away from football and the upcoming season. We are proud members of the NU football program and want our on-field performance and off-field conduct to always reflect the values of the university and our fans."

Braun was hired as Northwestern’s defensive coordinator in January after four seasons at FCS power North Dakota State. He was elevated to interim head coach on July 14.

“I never could have imagined, nor did I desire, to become a head coach under these types of circumstances,” Braun said. “That said, I'm honored to lead this group moving forward.”

Braun said he would not speak on current allegations made in lawsuits filed by former players against the university and Fitzgerald.

“Fully trust that our university is going through a process and will make decisions based on the facts,” Braun said. “What I can speak to is how proud I am of the way that our team has come together with all this stuff swirling around our football team. There's absolute resolve and confidence from our leadership within our team of how we're going to move forward.”

HAZING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Coaches who spoke during Wednesday’s press conferences aren’t concerned if there are hazing incidents similar to Northwestern in their program, and new Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti expects schools within the league to review their practices.

“I think when something like this happens, I think our member institutions are going to take it upon themselves to do that, right?” Petitti said. “The obvious result would be to look at practices to make sure that what’s happening on campus meets the standards we expect, to provide a safe and healthy environment for student-athletes. I think that's where that work needs to take place. I know in talking to some of our directors and coaches, that they understand that.”

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said it was something he would speak about with his team when training camp begins.

“Our culture is very strong, and our culture starts with connection and authentic relationships and mutual respect,” Tucker said. “We have that. We do have an anti-hazing policy at the university and on our football team. Our players know that.”

“I don't really worry about what's happening in our building,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. “I don't mention the word ‘culture.’ I never have. I'm not a guy who thinks it's a buzzword. It's something that's never set well with me. But I talk about what we do. To have a season like we just had and the talent we have returning and to have the highest GPA in school history, it tells me we're doing a lot of good things.”

NO EXPANSION TALK

Petitti echoed what former Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren said when it comes to expansion — the concern right now is a smooth transition for USC and UCLA beginning next season.

“What I'll say is all the direction I'm getting from leadership, our presidents and chancellors, athletic directors, is to focus on UCLA and USC,” Petitti said. “I'm proud of the scheduling format we created in football. I think it touches on all the right things.

“We have significant work to do on scheduling of other sports, especially our Olympic sports, to come up with the best solutions. I believe we have a good plan in motion. I think we'll learn from it. Like anything, there will be tweaks and changes. Overall that's really where we are. I'm not getting direction to do anything else other than that in terms of just what the conference looks like right now.”

NO BARBIE FOR BIELEMA

Bielema was asked if he had taken his daughters to see the new “Barbie” movie.

“I saw a social media tweet about the money it brought in over the weekend compared to the next rated movie, and it is pretty impressive,” Bielema said. “I see a lot of Barbies. I have a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old. I know my 6-year-old is watching. We bought a lot of Barbie stuff for 20 bucks.

“I don't really get to talk a lot of Barbie, so I appreciate the question. Have not taken her to see it, but I'm sure we're going to see it. We're in the mermaid mode right now, so we're still heavy into mermaids.”