Northwestern's motion to dismiss the $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former coach Pat Fitzgerald was denied, with a potential trial set for April 2025 after Judge Daniel Kubasiak ruled in favor of Fitzgerald's case proceeding. Fitzgerald, a former player at Northwestern and coach since 2006, was fired after a two-week unpaid suspension related to hazing claims within the football program. The case centers around the alleged violation of a verbal contract and claims of good faith and fair dealing.

• $130 million - Amount in the wrongful termination lawsuit
• April 7, 2025 - Trial date set for the case
• $68 million + $62 million - Amount sought by Fitzgerald for contract remainder and future earnings losses

Both sides have the opportunity to settle the case as encouraged by the judge, potentially avoiding a costly and lengthy trial process.

• Fitzgerald's lawsuit claims violations of verbal and written contracts by Northwestern, leading to his termination
• Northwestern argues the firing was a result of additional hazing allegations, despite the initial investigation's findings

The case is set to proceed to trial in April 2025, with both parties preparing for a legal battle over the alleged wrongful termination and contract violations.

The denial of Northwestern's motion sets the stage for a high-stakes legal showdown in April 2025 as Pat Fitzgerald seeks millions in damages and challenges his dismissal over contractual disputes and hazing allegations.