There's no reason to pull punches now, no sense in deferring to the politically correct thing. WhatNorthwesterndid two years ago to former coach Pat Fitzgerald was character and career assassination. Full stop. Forget about Thursday's cash settlement or an officialstatement of apology, which admitted Northwestern wrongfully fired Fitzgerald prior to the 2023 season because he should've known about hazing within the football program. It will never be enough. Because here's the worst part of this gross, reckless negligence from Northwestern: the university's actions don't disappear by throwing cash at the problem, and with a public relations-fed, attorney-orchestrated admittance of guilt. Fitzgerald will forever be stained by association. Truth and innocence be damned. Once you're painted with the wide and indelible brush of public opinion – once everyone jumps on the pile to get their pound of flesh – it never fades.