University of Illinois Fires Head Football Coach After Player Complaints

COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 1: Head coach Tim Beckman of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on in the first half of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 1, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) (CNN) — The University of Illinois has fired its head football coach after allegations that he mistreated players who were injured and threatened to take away their scholarships against school policy. Tim Beckman had been accused by several players, many who recounted to CNN this summer allegations of physical abuse, bullying over injuries and verbal threats. Athletics Director Mike Thomas on Friday afternoon made the announcement about Beckman, saying he had reviewed the preliminary results of an external investigation and found the findings “unsettling.” It’s one week before the start of the Illini football season. Beckman will lose $3.1 million remaining in the last two years of his five-year contract. The final report will likely not be issued until later this fall, Thomas said. Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit was named interim head coach. “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 in a press release. “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.” CNN’s attempts to reach Beckman for comment were not immediately successful. In a statement first reported Friday evening by the Associated Press, Beckman said he was the victim of a rush to judgment and would defend his legal rights. “I firmly deny the implications in Mike’s statements that I took any action that was not in the best interests of the health, safety and well-being of my players,” Beckman said…

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