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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
From left to right: Simon Cvijanovic, Tim Beckman, Mike Thomas, Bill Cubit, Josh Whitman, Lovie Smith

Watching Simon: The state of Illini football a year later

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Staff Writer • May 10, 2016
The Chicago Cubs greet Kris Bryant (17) after his walk-off home run during the ninth inning on Monday, July 27, 2015, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Apr 5, 2016
Illinois' football headcoach Lovie Smith observes Illini players running drills during the first spring practice Friday.

Notes and news from Illinois football’s first spring practices

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Staff writer • Apr 3, 2016

Hawkeyes next up for Illini basketball in Big Ten Tournament

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Mar 9, 2016
Malcolm Hill and Illinois face Peter Uthoff and Iowa at 1:25 p.m. Thursday in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.

Hawkeyes next up for Illini basketball in Big Ten Tournament

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Mar 9, 2016
Illinois' student cheering section, Block I, claps and chants during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 24. Illinois lost 13-24.

Lovie Smith can bring students back to Illinois football

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Mar 7, 2016
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman speaks at the press conference regarding the dismissal of head football coach Bill Cubit.

Josh Whitman asserts his authority at Illinois with Cubit firing

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Mar 5, 2016
Head coach Bill Cubit watches his seniors line up to be honored on Senior Day before the game against Northwestern at Soldier Field on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Radio Reaction: Bill Cubit FIRED as Illinois Head Football Coach

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Mar 5, 2016
Illinois' Mike Dudek reaches for the pylon during the Illini's 28-24 Homecoming win over Minnesota on Oct. 25, 2014.

Illini football players learn of Cubit's firing via Twitter

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Mar 5, 2016
Prospective Athletic Director poses for photos after being introduced by Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson as the next Illinois athletic director. Whitman is set to take over March 21, pending on the Board of Trustees' approval. 

Patience a virtue for Illini fans with Whitman hiring

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Feb 18, 2016
Pending approval from Illinois' board of Trustees, Josh Whitman will be the University's 14th Athletic Director. Photo by Joe Angeles/WUSTL Photos.

UPDATED: Josh Whitman chosen as new Illinois athletic director

By Michal Dwojak and Peter Bailey-Wells • Jan 28, 2016
Why Fall 2015 was a sad semester for DI Sports

Why Fall 2015 was a sad semester for DI Sports

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Dec 23, 2015
Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson has been tasked with hiring a new athletic director and has hired executive search firm Korn Ferry to aid in that process.

Wilson adds search firm to Illini AD hunt

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Dec 17, 2015
Illinois' Clayton Fejedelem (20) tackles Iowa's Mark Weisman (45) during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. The Illini lost 30-14.

Big Ten football defensive awards announced: No Illini on first team

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Dec 1, 2015
Head coach Bill Cubit watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Northwestern at Soldier Field on Saturday. Illinois lost 24-14.

Decision to give Bill Cubit two-year extension was another Illinois mistake

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Nov 29, 2015
Head coach Bill Cubit and the Illinois sideline celebrate after Taylor Zalewski makes the PAT that put Illinois up 14-13 over Nebraska to win the game.

Illini football gives Bill Cubit two more years as head coach

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Nov 28, 2015
Coach Bill Cubit shares stern words during the game against Middle Tennessee State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26. Illinois won 27-25.

Cubit's career at Illinois could hinge on Minnesota game

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Nov 18, 2015
Defensive back Clayton Fedejelem makes a tackle on Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliot during Saturday's game at Memorial Stadium. Illinois lost 28-3.

Moving forward following Illinois football’s loss to Ohio State

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Nov 14, 2015
Illinois' offensive coordinator Bill Cubit yells unto the field during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. The Illini lost 30-14.

Undefeated Buckeyes a big challenge for Illini football

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Nov 11, 2015
A change in culture: Mike Thomas and where Illinois athletics goes from here

A change in culture: Mike Thomas and where Illinois athletics goes from here

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Nov 9, 2015
Illini football gets its revenge against Purdue

Illini football gets its revenge against Purdue

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Nov 8, 2015
Interim head coach Bill Cubit yells into his microphone during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 24. Illinois lost 13-24.

Purdue game a must-win for Illini football team with its back against the wall

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Nov 4, 2015
Penn State defensive tackle Anthony Zettel, right, sacks Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt on Saturday at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Abby Drey, Tribune News Service

Same old struggles haunt Cubit and Illini football against Penn State

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Nov 1, 2015
Brown vs. Williams: Mavericks’ star makes more despite pair’s Illini success

Brown vs. Williams: Mavericks’ star makes more despite pair’s Illini success

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 30, 2015
For Cubit and Illini, grace period is over

For Cubit and Illini, grace period is over

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 28, 2015
Brett Lerner in the WPGU studio during an edition of The Daily Illini's "Illini Drive." Photo courtesy of Urbana Public Television.

Why The Daily Illini will miss Brett Lerner

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 25, 2015
Illini got beaten by the Badgers, and that's OK

Illini got beaten by the Badgers, and that's OK

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 25, 2015
A Homecoming challenge to Illinois students: Go watch football

A Homecoming challenge to Illinois students: Go watch football

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Oct 21, 2015
Illinois' Kendrick Nunn (25) looks to drive to the basket during the game against Michigan State at State Farm Center, on Feb. 22, 2014. The Illini lost 60-53.

Illini basketball's Kendrick Nunn to have thumb surgery

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 20, 2015
Updated: Mike Thomas out as Illinois athletic director

Updated: Mike Thomas out as Illinois athletic director

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 16, 2015
The Illinois defense lines up against the Iowa offense deep in Illinois' own zone during Saturday's game at Kinnick Stadium. Illinois lost 29-20.

Illini football should aspire to Iowa standard

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Oct 11, 2015
Illinois' Ke'Shawn Vaughn (5) attempts to run through Nebraska's defense during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct 3, 2015. The Illini won 14-13.

The Daily Illini Football Pregame Show: Oct 9, 2015

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 10, 2015
Head coach Bill Cubit and the Illinois sideline celebrate after Taylor Zalewski makes the PAT that put Illinois up 14-13 over Nebraska to win the game.

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 9, 2015
Illinois coaches Mike Ward (left), Tim Banks (center) and Bill Cubit converse on the field during Saturday's game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. Illinois won 14-13.

A win in Iowa puts Cubit in the driver's seat

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 7, 2015
Wide receiver Geronimo Allison celebrates after catching the game-winning touchdown pass with 10 seconds left in Illinois' 14-13 win over Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 3.

Illini football celebrates a different kind of win

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 4, 2015
Cubit, Illini football can start to defy history by beating Huskers

Cubit, Illini football can start to defy history by beating Huskers

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Sep 30, 2015
Illini lucky to have escaped against Middle Tennessee State

Illini lucky to have escaped against Middle Tennessee State

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 27, 2015
Illinois head football coach Bill Cubit gets fired up on the sideline during the game against Kent State at Memorial Field on Saturday, Sept. 5. Illinois won 52-3.

Illini football gets one last respite before Big Ten play

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Sep 23, 2015

Illini Drive: September 21st, 2015

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 21, 2015
North Carolina's Des Lawrence tries to tackle Illinois' Josh Ferguson during the Illini's 48-14 loss to the Tar Heels on Saturday at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. | Photo by Wyatt McNamera, The Daily Tarheel

Old troubles haunt Illini in North Carolina loss

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 20, 2015
Big opportunity looms for Illini football

Big opportunity looms for Illini football

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Sep 16, 2015
Takeaways from a shutout weekend

Takeaways from a shutout weekend

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 13, 2015
Real win for Illini against Leathernecks would be no injuries

Real win for Illini against Leathernecks would be no injuries

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 9, 2015
Wes Lunt prepares for a snap during Illinois' 52-3 victory over Kent State in their season-opener at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 5.

Illinois fans missed out on Saturday

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 6, 2015
Illinois' Wes Lunt (12) looks for an open pass during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. Illinois lost 30-14.

Enjoy opening day, and enjoy football

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • Sep 3, 2015
Athletic Director Thomas left running

Athletic Director Thomas left running

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Aug 28, 2015
Illinois' head coach Tim Beckman watches the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. The Illini lost 30-14.

UPDATED: Beckman dismissed, Cubit to serve as interim

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Aug 28, 2015
Illinois' head coach Lou Henson shaking hands with Indiana coach Bobby Knight following a 70-53 victory for the Illini in Champaign on March 4, 1984.

Lou Henson Court to grace renovated State Farm Center

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Aug 24, 2015

Groce dismisses Paul after overseas arrest

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Aug 22, 2015
Illinois' Mason Monheim (43) raises his helmet after the homecoming game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. The Illini won 28-24.

A reminder about Fighting Illini sports

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Aug 17, 2015
Green Street offers convenient shopping spots

Green Street offers convenient shopping spots

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Jul 18, 2015
Many Illini sports rebuilding, reloading in 2015-2016

Many Illini sports rebuilding, reloading in 2015-2016

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Jul 7, 2015
Illinois head coach Matt Bollant applauds his team’s performance during the 89-37 Illini win against Marian at State Farm Center on Oct. 30, 2012. Bollant is accused of player abuse and mistreatment and Wednesday the University announced it was contracting an outside law firm to investigate the program.

UPDATED: Illinois to contract second Chicago law firm for women's basketball investigation

By Peter Bailey-Wells • May 26, 2015
Illinois’ Pat McInerney celebrates his home run hit during the baseball game vs. Purdue at Illinois Field on April 11. The Illini were assigned the No. 6 national seed and will host a regional in the NCAA tournament.

Illinois baseball to host first regional in school history

By Peter Bailey-Wells • May 25, 2015

Sporting events allow for family bonding on campus

By Peter Bailey-Wells • May 23, 2015
Illinois' Tim Beckman during the game against Western Kentucky at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. The Illini won 42-34. Beckman is the target of accusations of mistreatment of former players

Former Beckman players from Illinois, Toledo, speak out about treatment

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • May 12, 2015
NASA astronaut and former Illini Mike Hopkins presents a jersey and flag to Chancellor Phyllis Wise and Athletic Director Mike Thomas during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. Thomas responded Monday to Simon Cvijanovic's Twitter accusations of Tim Beckman.

Athletic Director Mike Thomas responds to Cvijanovic Twitter accusations

By Peter Bailey-Wells • May 11, 2015
Illinois' Rayvonte Rice (24) takes the game-winning shot during the game against Missouri at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri on Dec. 20, 2014. The Illini won 62-59.

Illini moment of the Year: Rayvonte Rice Braggin’ Rights buzzer beater

By Peter Bailey-Wells • May 11, 2015
Ryan Lankford (12) and Simon Cvijanovic (68) celebrate after Lankford scores a touchdown at the orange and blue spring scrimmage at Memorial Stadium on April 12, 2013. 

Former Illini football player attacks Beckman on Twitter

By Peter Bailey-Wells, Sports editor • May 11, 2015

Illini football reach first bowl game under Beckman

By Peter Bailey-Wells • May 10, 2015
Illinois' Wes Lunt makes a pass during the annual football Spring Game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Orange won 44-41.

Lunt's big day might be sign of things to come for Illini football

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Apr 19, 2015

Illini baseball set to face familiar foe SIU at home

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Mar 13, 2015

Illini baseball set for home opener against Chicago State

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Mar 10, 2015

Oklahoma State pose challenge for Illini baseball

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Mar 6, 2015
Illinois’ Reid Roper runs the bases after hitting a home run during the game against Northwestern at Illinois Field on Sunday. A strong performance at the plate lead to Sunday’s 17-12 win and solidified Illinois’ series sweep.

Illini baseball’s Roper at home both on mound, at plate

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Mar 4, 2015

Hot bats, return of Duchene prime Illini baseball for Chanticleer Classic

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Feb 26, 2015

Wild weekend keeps Illini baseball undefeated

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Feb 23, 2015

Jay shines in starting debut for Illini baseball

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Feb 17, 2015

Pitching powers Illini baseball to perfect opening weekend

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Feb 16, 2015
A member of the "Block I" yawns while attempting to create noise during the homecoming game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. The Illini won 28-24.

Illini football announces 2015 ticket prices

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Feb 11, 2015

Illinois baseball 2015 season preview: position breakdown

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Feb 11, 2015
Kevin Duchene pitches against Purdue on April 13, 2013. Duchene is heading into his junior season pitching for Illinois.

Summer league proves valuable experience for Illinois baseball’s Kevin Duchene

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Feb 3, 2015
The Daily Illini Will Krug hits the ball during a Illini 7-3 victory over Indiana at Illinois Field on April 7, 2012. Krug is entering his final year in an Illinois uniform.

Hartleb, Illinois baseball set sights high at media day

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Jan 27, 2015
NFL playoffs deserve winners

NFL playoffs deserve winners

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Dec 9, 2014
Houston defensive lineman J.J. Watt catches a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Mallett in the first quarter of the Browns 23-7 loss to the Texans on Nov. 16. Watt has caught three touchdown this season, in addition to two defensive touchdowns.

Watt deserves NFL MVP honors

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Dec 2, 2014
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Nov. 16 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts fell to the Patriots 42-20.

Pocketing some great ones

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Nov 18, 2014
Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron left the game with a concussion after a hit by Oakland Raiders Brandian Ross during the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns won the game 23-13. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal)

Forgetting things: concussions and the NFL

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Nov 11, 2014
South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) tips a pass attempt by Wisconsin quarterback Curt Phillips (10) on Jan. 1. Assistant sports editor Peter Bailey-Wells gives Clowney a D-grade. 

Mid-season NFL rookie rankings

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Nov 4, 2014
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his third touchdown of the game in the third quarter Sunday, Oct. 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Bears 51-23.

NFL Celebrations throughout the ages

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 28, 2014
Seattle Seahawks running back Robert Turbin (left) and Jermaine Kearse are unable to catch a pass as St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis defends on a two-point conversion attempt on Sunday.

The Wild, Wild West

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 21, 2014
Finally, the Cowboys are back

Finally, the Cowboys are back

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 14, 2014
Manning, Brady at the head of the class

Manning, Brady at the head of the class

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 7, 2014

Baseball plans trip to the Dominican Republic

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Oct 1, 2014
New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan talks to his defense on the bench during the first half of their game with the Ravens in Baltimore on Nov. 24, 2013.

Looking back at rivalry after Jeter retires, Ryan comes up short

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 30, 2014
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman is seen taking part in team practice on Monday, June 2, 2014, at their team headquarters in Renton, Wash.

Seahawks secondary can be exposed

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 23, 2014

Softball team introduces new assistant coach

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 17, 2014
Former Penn State defense lineman Devon Still tackles former Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase.  Still, who now plays on the Bengals' practice squad, has a four-year-old daughter who is battling Stage 4 neuroblastoma.

During NFL’s rough week, Still inspires

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 16, 2014
Illinois' Farris Gosea hits the ball back during the first round of NCAA Tennis Regionals against Ball State University at Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex on Friday, May 9, 2014. The Illini won 4-0.

Illini tennis: 3 ranked in top 50, 2 doubles pairs ranked

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Sep 10, 2014

Women’s golf gears up for a fresh season

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Aug 27, 2014

Sports no longer a fantasy world

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Aug 22, 2014

Being decision-conscious makes it easy to save money without sacrificing comfort

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Aug 14, 2014
Mayweather’s lack of a true rival hurts boxing

Mayweather’s lack of a true rival hurts boxing

By Peter Bailey-Wells • May 6, 2014
Pine tar use should be allowed, controlled

Pine tar use should be allowed, controlled

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Apr 29, 2014
Kentucky Derby winner Orb is taken away after his morning bath at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, Thursday, May 16, 2013. The 138th running of the Preakness Stakes is Saturday. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun/MCT)

Make sure to watch the 140th Kentucky Derby

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Apr 29, 2014
Liverpool’s record-chasing season deserves your attention

Liverpool’s record-chasing season deserves your attention

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Apr 22, 2014
Runners carry an American flag during the 2005 Boston Marathon.

Boston Marathon bombing: What the tragedy means a year later to Bostonians

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Apr 15, 2014
Connecticut top basketball school in country

Connecticut top basketball school in country

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Apr 8, 2014
Newly signed St. Louis Cardinals' Aledmys Diaz talks to the media during practice, Monday, March 10, 2014, at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.

Cardinals, Red Sox should shine again in 2014 season

By Peter Bailey-Wells • Apr 1, 2014