U of I: Tim Beckman Out

By Nick Gale, WLS News

(Champaign-Urbana) The University of Illinois has fired head football coach Tim Beckman citing preliminary results of an external review into allegations involving the program.

Among other things, those allegations were that players were pressured to put off medical care in order to stay on the field.

In a statement, the university says “the timing is unfortunate with the season one week away, but based on preliminary findings it was in the best interests of student-athletes to act now rather than when a final report is issued and publicly released, which likely will occur during the season.”

University of Illinois Director of Athletics Mike Thomas goes on to say, “the preliminary information external reviewers shared with me does not reflect our values or our commitment to the welfare of our student-athletes, and I’ve chosen to act accordingly,” Thomas said. “During the review, we have asked people not to rush to judgment, but I now have enough information to make this decision in assessing the status and direction of the football program.”

Bill Cubit, who joined the Illini coaching staff as offensive coordinator in 2013, has been named interim head coach for the 2015 season.

@ 2015 WLS News

 

 

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