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In Northwestern hazing scandal, could perpetrators also be considered victims?

Lloyd Yates, a former Northwestern quarterback, has captured the complexity of the hazing scandal that has rocked the university and its football program.

In a lawsuit filed Monday, Yates, 26, said he was subjected to sexual abuse by some of his teammates, and he provided graphic details of incidents. Yet last week, he said of the former players, “We were all victims, no matter what our role was at the time.’’

That sentiment has fueled discussion among hazing experts about whether perpetrators can be considered victims and how it might impact consequences. In short, will Northwestern football players accused of the sexual abuse be investigated and prosecuted?