Illinois Fires AD Mike Thomas After Investigation into Player Treatment
By Kyle Koster
Illinois has fired athletic director Mike Thomas after an investigation into the treatment of football and women’s basketball players. Interim chancellor Barbara Wilson said no misconduct by Thomas was found but that a change in leadership was needed.
Beckman was fired in August as a result of mistreatment allegations. Lawsuits from women’s basketball and soccer players are ongoing. He was accused of encouraging players of playing through injuries.
Here's a look at what Illinois investigators found regarding Tim Beckman's treatment of injuries/injured players: pic.twitter.com/0ugrRPJuzT
— Brian Hamilton (@_Brian_Hamilton) November 9, 2015
Interim football coach Bill Cubit appears to be clear of any wrongdoing in the report.
“There is no indication that Coach Cubit said anything else inappropriate to the reporting player or evidence that he ever made inappropriate comments or pressured other players about injury issues. The lack of concerns raised by other players lends further credence to Cubit’s account, which we find credible.”
Thomas had held the position since 2011.