Lisa Bralts and Brian Moline are back with another episode of The Bandwagon. This week, they discuss the U of I, and how the "I" stands for "interim." They also delve into the Greg Hardy domestic violence story, and the US Soccer Federation's decision to limit heading the ball in youth soccer.
The University of Illinois has fired Athletic Director Mike Thomas. Barbara Wilson, the Interim Chancellor on the Urbana campus, said in a Monday morning news conference that a change in leadership was necessary. She said that "distractions" led to the decision after a law firm's findings brought on the firing of former football coach Tim Beckman at the start of the season.
The University of Illinois wants a judge to toss out a lawsuit filed by seven former members of the women's basketball team who allege they were the victims of racial discrimination. The U of I argues that the sovereign immunity that prevents the state from being sued in federal court also covers the state university.
U of I Athletic Director Mike Thomas announced he was dismissing head football coach Tim Beckman, following preliminary results of an external review into allegations about the football program. Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit, who's been with the program since 2013, is taking over as interim head coach.
U of I Urbana Chancellor Phyllis Wise and Athletic Director Mike Thomas don't expect any further personnel changes, but do say women's basketball and other sports will follow recommendations from its independent investigation. Meanwhile, the attorney filing the $10 million lawsuit agaist the university said it will stand, with little expectation for a 'thorough, unbiased investigation.'
