Wilson announced that Paul Kowalczyk will take over as interim athletics director. The results were so appalling that it’s no wonder the school also dumped athletic director Mike Thomas.
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Illinois opened an internal investigation in May at Thomas’s request after allegations of misconduct against the two programs were made public.
FILE – In this September 26, 2015, file photo, Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas watches an NCAA football game against Middle Tennessee in Champaign, Ill.
“Mike Thomas has done a good job of leading through recent challenges, but we have determined it is best to exercise the “without cause” separation clause in his contract at this time”, Wilson said. Coach Beckman created pressure on sports medicine staff and players in incremental fashion, building a culture that tended to blame players for being injured, dissuaded reports of injuries, and favored athletic trainers who pushed medical decision-making boundaries.
Shortly after the football allegations surfaced, the families of three women’s basketball players brought forth allegations of verbal and emotional abuse by head coach Matt Bollant and sexual inappropriateness by now former associate coach Mike Divilbiss. However, Illinois interim chancellor Barbara Wilson said the school believed a change in leadership was necessary.
“The reports indicate that I acted appropriately and immediately whenever I learned of any issues related to the safety and well-being of our students”, Thomas said. The investigation started when Simon Cvijanovic, a former Fighting Illini player, detailed allegations in a series of tweets that Beckman forced players to forgo treatments for injuries and openly disrespected various players. “This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it’s the one that will allow us to concentrate on the future”. Accusations followed from other former football players, which prompted Thomas and Chancellor Phyllis Wise to commission an independent investigation of the program.
In that same prepared statement, Thomas said, “I believe it is a good time to turn the page and put the focus of this organization back on the success and welfare of our student-athletes”.
Wilson said she accepts the findings and is committed to addressing any continuing concerns the reports raise.
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“It has been my privilege to be part of this storied program and this great university”. The school is holding an 11 a.m. press conference Monday to release the full report by Franczek Radelet.
