University of Illinois plans outside probe of abuse allegations against Beckman

Posted May 13, 2015 1:00 am

Associated Press

URBANA - The University of Illinois now says it plans an independent investigation of allegations that football coach Tim Beckman pressured an injured player to play and that the player was misled about the extent of his injuries.

Urbana-Champaign campus spokeswoman Robin Kaler said Wednesday that Chancellor Phyllis Wise is deciding how that investigation will be conducted. Kaler says that the investigation "likely will be some external organization that does this sort of thing. Frequently it's law firms."

Wise did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

University of Illinois football player Simon Cvijanovic practices at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. Cvijanovic used a long series of Twitter messages Sunday May 10, 2015, to accuse coach Tim Beckman and some staff members of mishandling an injury. (John Dixon/ The News-Gazette) associated press file photo

After former offensive lineman Simon Cvijanovic accused Beckman of mishandling his injuries athletic director Mike Thomas initially said he and the chancellor were talking about reviewing the allegations.

Kaler said information generated by the investigation probably will not be released to the public.

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