The University of Illinois has terminated head Football Coach Tim Beckman over how he treated injured student athletes.

Athletic Director Mike Thomas made the decision after he reviewed a preliminary report suggesting Beckman deterred the reporting of injuries of players, and that they keep playing despite injury.

"The findings the external reviewer shared in the briefing gave me enough information to take action, and I have done that," says Thomas.

Thomas says the timing is bad given the first football game is next Friday, but he says that didn't matter.

"The health and well-being of students is our top triority," says Thomas. "This decision was based on the health of our student athletes.

Thomas says players were mostly quiet upon learning that Beckman had been fired. Beckman will not receive the remaining $3.1 million on his contract, nor will he receive a $743,000 buyout.

Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit will take over. He's expected to be a candidate for the permanent job.               {IRN)

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