Athlete Advocates: Fire U of I Athletic Director, Coaches
Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas, left, greets offensive coordinator Bill Cubit and head coach Tim Beckman, right, after beating Penn State on Nov. 22, 2014, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb)
An advocacy group for college athletes wants the University of Illinois to fire athletic director Mike Thomas, football coach Tim Beckman and others who have been the target of complaints and two lawsuits by former athletes alleging abusive treatment.
The National College Players Association's executive director Ramogi Huma sent a letter Thursday to Chancellor Phyllis Wise, which was obtained by The Associated Press.
In it, Huma called on Wise to fire Thomas, Beckman, women's basketball coach Matt Bollant and others.
Seven former women's basketball players said in a lawsuit that coaches engaged in racist behavior. A former women's soccer player has filed suit over medical treatment. Three former football players have lodged complaints about their treatment, too.
A university spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Links
- UPDATE: U of I Hires Outside Firm To Investigate Football Coach Allegations
- UI Women’s Basketball Program Faces Abuse Allegations
- Former UI Women’s Basketball Players’ Lawsuit Alleges ‘Racially Hostile Environment’
- U of I Soccer Lawsuit Refocuses Attention On Sports Concussions
- Updated: A New Type of Student Union?
- Northwestern To Appeal Players Union Ruling
- Big Ten Leaders Issue Statement Opposing Athlete Unions, Propose Reforms