(Allegedly.)
Illinois may or may not be without one of their starting offensive linemen for the Big Ten opener against Ohio State Saturday following an incident at an on-campus drinking establishment this past weekend, the Champaign News-Gazette is reporting.
According to the paper, right tackle Hugh Thornton was arrested charges of simple battery and damage to property after being involved in a fight at Joe’s Brewery.
Head coach Ron Zook is aware of the incident, but has yet to decide whether or not to punish the sophomore as he attempts to gather more information.
Thornton was injured during the Illini’s last game two Saturdays ago -- they were off this past weekend -- but that injury is not expected to keep him out of the game with the Buckeyes. What the charges will do to his availability remains to be seen.