Illinois athletics director Mike Thomas felt strongly enough about the results of an investigation into his head football coach’s performance to fire him months before the study was even complete. Thomas said Friday investigators had spoken with more than 90 witnesses and reviewed more than 200,000 documents.
Tim Beckman thinks it’s all a pack of lies.
The now former Illinois head coach released a statement Friday evening.Statement from Tim Beckman: “I am shocked and disappointed by the decision Mike Thomas and the University of Illinois made today .... “
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) August 28, 2015
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Tim Beckman statement: “I firmly deny the implications in Mike’s statements that I took any action that was not in the best interests ....”
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) August 28, 2015
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Beckman continued "... of the health, safety and well-being of my players. The health and well-being of our SAs is of paramount importance”
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) August 28, 2015
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Beckman statement: “the University’s actions ... are in violation of the procedures mandated under my employment agreement.”
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) August 28, 2015
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Tim Beckman statement: “I will vigorously defend both my reputation and my legal rights.”
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) August 28, 2015
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While nothing he can say at this point will get him his job back, it’s obvious what Beckman is doing here: setting the stage for a lawsuit in which he comes for the $3.1 million due on the final two years of his contract and (however futilely) attempts to clear his name in pursuit of other coaching jobs.