Tim Beckman Fired For Forcing Players To Play Through Injury 

The University of Illinois just announced the firing of head football coach Tim Beckman after an external review into the coach’s conduct revealed him to have put his players at risk.

Illinois issued a release; here is the important part:

During a preliminary briefing from the external reviewers, Thomas said he learned of efforts to deter injury reporting and influence medical decisions that pressured players to avoid or postpone medical treatment and continue playing despite injuries. He also said in some instances student-athletes were treated inappropriately with respect to whether they could remain on scholarship during the spring semester of their senior year if they weren’t on the team.

This lines up with what former Illinois lineman Simon Cvijanovic had to say about Beckman’s program in May, when he went on an extended Twitter rant about how Illinois players had been mistreated by the coaching staff.

Beckman was fired with cause, which means he will not be receiving any of $3.1 million remaining on his contract. Illinois plays its first game in eight days, and offensive coordinator Bill Cubit has been named interim head coach.