Former Tennessee Vols coach lands in the middle of some big controversy
A former Tennessee Vols assistant coach landed in the middle of some controversy this week. Earlier this summer, Pat Fitzgerald was fired as Northwestern's head coach in the wake of a hazing scandal. On Wednesday, several Northwestern staffers reportedly showed up to practice wearing shirts that read "Cats against the World" with Fitzgerald's No. 51 […]
A former Tennessee Vols assistant coach landed in the middle of some controversy this week.
Earlier this summer, Pat Fitzgerald was fired as Northwestern's head coach in the wake of a hazing scandal.
On Wednesday, several Northwestern staffers reportedly showed up to practice wearing shirts that read "Cats against the World" with Fitzgerald's No. 51 printed below the phrase.
Here's a photo of the shirt:
According to the New York Post, Northwestern offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian was one of the coaches wearing the shirt on Wednesday.
Bajakian served as Tennessee's offensive coordinator from 2013 to 2014. He left Knoxville after the 2014 season to accept a position as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterbacks coach.
Northwestern athletic director Derek Gragg condemned the staffers for wearing the shirts via a statement that was released on Wednesday.
“I am extremely disappointed that a few members of our football program staff decided to wear ‘Cats Against the World’ T-shirts,” said Gragg. “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.”
Bajakian has been an assistant at Northwestern since the 2020 season.
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Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
