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Northwestern AD releases statement on ‘tone deaf’ shirts worn by coaching staff

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Northwestern AD Derrick Gragg has addressed specific t-shirts worn by certain members of the Wildcat coaching staff.

On Wednesday, a group of coaches that included OC Mike Bajakian were seen sporting “Cats Against the World” t-shirts. Those shirts also featured No. 51, the former jersey number of ex-head coach Pat Fitzgerald.

In his statement, Gragg said he did not approve of the shirts nor was he aware of coaches wearing the shirts. He went on to call the shirts tone deaf and offensive:

I am extremely disappointed that a few members of our football program staff decided to wear “Cats Against the World” t-shirts. Neither I nor the University was aware that they owned or would wear these shirts today. The shirts are inappropriate, offensive and tone deaf. Let me be crystal clear: Hazing has no place at Northwestern, and we are committed to do whatever is necessary to address hazing-related issues, including thoroughly investigating any incidents or allegations of hazing or any other misconduct.

Interim coach David Braun was also asked about the incident, and he said it is not his role to censor free speech. No matter Braun’s personal feelings on the matter, the assistant coach’s that donned the shirts certainly put Braun in a tricky position.

(H/T Adam Rittenberg)

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.