By Eric Stock
CHAMPAIGN – University of Illinois has announced athletic director Mike Thomas has been fired following multiple reports of player mistreatment involving the football and women’s basketball programs.
According to the State Journal Register in Springfield, the U of I exercised a “without cause” separation clause in Thomas’ contract.
The university is also releasing the final reports into allegations of mistreatment of players. Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson said “a change in leadership was needed in order to move forward,” even though the final report found no misconduct by Thomas. Football coach Tim Beckman was fired in August, shortly after the report’s preliminary findings were released.
Senior Associate Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk has been named interim AD.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
