Yet another Northwestern University sports program is under fire for creating a toxic environment.
A university investigation found evidence that first-year head baseball coach Jim Foster “engaged in bullying and abusive behavior” and “made an inappropriate comment regarding a female staff member, and spoke negatively about his staff to other staff members,” according to a report from the Chicago Tribune.
Players, alumni and those around the program tipped off school administration about Foster’s conduct last fall, before his first season as the team’s head coach, according to the Tribune.
Players and team staff anonymously described Foster as “cold at times, and at other times, combative.”
Foster often directed “expletive-laced tirades” at staff members and “discouraged players from seeing the team trainer” and urged players to rush back from injuries, the report stated.
Foster’s behavior likely has been one of the reasons that led to a mass exodus from the team.
Three coaches and staff members reportedly left the team during the season last year and 16 players entered the transfer portal after the team struggled through a 10-40 season.
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According to the report, at least six players met with the AD or others from the athletic department to specially address Foster’s behavior.
Foster coached at the University of Rhode Island for nine years and Army West Point for six before coming to Northwestern last summer.
The allegations came to light just a day after the school fired longtime football coach Pat Fitzgerald for allegedly creating a “culture of enabling racism” and hazing.
The claims against Fitzgerald were also brought forth by anonymous players, in this case to the university’s student newspaper, The Daily Northwestern.
They detailed a series of hazing rituals including one called “running” and claims of coerced sexual acts, among other accusations.
Fitzgerald is expected to fight back against his firing, saying in a statement he will “take the necessary steps to protect my rights in accordance with the law.”
