Michigan football analyst among coaches named in Northwestern lawsuit

In the past month, various lawsuits have been filed against Northwestern University regarding insensitive hazing allegations. These lawsuits include claims of sexual abuse and racial discrimination within Northwestern Athletics. MLive recently reported that among the names listed in a recent lawsuit against Northwestern is former Northwestern coach and current Michigan football offensive analyst Bret Ingalls.

Michigan football offensive analyst Bret Ingalls named in Northwestern hazing lawsuit

Bret Ingalls joined the Northwestern football program in 2006 and departed in 2008. Since then, Ingalls has coached for various NFL and collegiate teams, but most recently joined the Michigan Wolverines as an offensive analyst.

Recently, former Northwestern football player Ramon Diaz Jr. filed a lawsuit against multiple former Northwestern coaches including Ingalls. According to ESPN, the allegations against Ingalls include “racist, embarrassing, degrading, and harassing remarks” toward Diaz and other minority athletes.

Diaz has stated that the comments Ingalls made during his tenure “haven’t left me since I finished playing.” A former offensive lineman for Northwestern has also come forward anonymously, claiming, “We were in Kenosha watching film (one day), and Coach Ingalls said something to the extent of ‘Man, this room is really dirty. It’s a pigsty. Ramon: I know your parents clean up after folks like this. How should we do it?”

Diaz has also claimed that Ingalls witnessed the insensitive hazing that took place at Northwestern during his tenure and did not report it.

Ingalls and Michigan Athletics respond to new lawsuit

Both Ingalls and Michigan Athletics have put forward official statements regarding the new allegations.

Ingalls: “As the baseless accusations against me have continued to unfold from a former player, I have been proactive in my communication with Coach Harbaugh and the Human Resources Department at the University of Michigan. 

“I have dedicated my entire career to mentoring and coaching young men of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. I respect all individuals and have continued to do that throughout my coaching career.”

Michigan Athletics: “Bret proactively came and addressed the accusations at Northwestern from 15+ years ago with Coach Harbaugh and Human Resources. He has spoken with our HR department and understands the expectations of his employment at the University of Michigan.

“We have not had one concern raised during Bret’s time here. It has been very positive in terms of his interaction with others.”

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