The University of Illinois announced its firing of head football coach Tim Beckman based on evidence uncovered in its investigation backing former players’ claims of mistreatment and abuse.
The University of Illinois announced its firing of head football coach Tim Beckman based on evidence uncovered in its investigation backing former players’ claims of mistreatment and abuse. The university cited Beckman’s “efforts to deter injury reporting and influence medical decisions that pressured players to avoid or postpone medical treatment and continue playing despite injuries.” This investigation was initiated after former Illinois football player Simon Cvijanovic took to Twitter to accuse Beckman of forcing him to play with significant injuries, physically attacking a player, and other forms of mistreatment. Simon reached out to the NCPA for assistance and, after reviewing multiple player statements, the NCPA had called on Illinois to terminate Beckman and other athletic staff across three sports that former players accused of abuse.
Simon stated in a tweet, “I appreciate all the support I have received. Huge step in bettering athletics and in helping us prevent future wrongdoings.”
NCPA Executive Director Ramogi Huma stated, “Simon and the other players showed tremendous courage and endured unjust attacks on their character for telling the truth. I am proud of them, and Illinois football players are safer because they stood up. As players stand up, injustice falls down.”
While progress has been made in addressing football player abuse allegations, the University of Illinois has continued to employ women’s basketball and women’s soccer athletic staff accused of player abuse and mistreatment.
The NCPA has called on NCAA President Mark Emmert to implement rules to prevent player abuse but, so far, Emmert has refused to respond.
Click here to read the University of Illinois’’ statement on its firing of Tim Beckman.