Illini issues statement addressing flame-throwing ex-player

An abrupt and unexpected drama has taken its next public step.

Sunday, former Illinois football player Simon Cvijanović took to Twitter to bitch about -- or whine about or lay bare reality, depending on your POV -- the Illini football program in general and head coach Tim Beckman specifically. Cvijanović levied some rather pointed and heated accusations, from Beckman misusing and abusing his power to allegations of an attack on one of Cvijanović's former teammates by the coach.

Suffice to say, the tweeting rant gained traction nationally. And, not so surprisingly, the university addressed the growing furor in the form of a statement.

“Simon Cvijanovic was a valued member of the University of Illinois football team. He chose to leave the team during the 2014 regular season and withdrew from the university before the end of the semester. Upon his return for the spring semester, we have continued to support him with medical care, an academic scholarship and academic advising. We cannot make any student accept our support. We wish him success in completing his degree, and we wish him the best of success in whatever he pursues after he graduates.”

Here’s to guessing that we haven’t heard the last of this issue between the two sides, regardless of where or how the issue originated. Especially as Cvijanović sees a bigger, more important issue at play.

I want change. Players aren't cattle and our scholarship isn't a reason for us to have no representation. https://t.co/YHZmXyOetC

— Simon Cvijanović (@SimonCvijanovic) May 11, 2015

The NCAA’s under assault like never before; how The Association moves forward is going to be fascinating to watch. As will the Illini’s ongoing reaction to these incendiary accusations.