UI tasks search committee with finding new athletic director
November 24, 2015
Illinois has a search committee for a new athletic director.Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson announced in a press release Friday the eight people that will aid in the search for a replacement for interim athletic director Paul Kowalcyzk, who has been on the job for a little more...
The cost of the Illinois football and women’s basketball investigations
By Michal Dwojak, Staff writer
October 30, 2015
The University had dealt with its fair share of controversy by May of 2015. Steven Salaita was threatening to file a lawsuit against the University and James Kilgore’s job status was being hotly debated, but something else was on the horizon. On May 10, former Illinois football player Simon ...
Matt Bollant: same coach aims for new leadership for Illini women's basketball
By Jon Joffe
October 23, 2015
While Matt Bollant is about to start his fourth straight season heading the Illinois women’s basketball team, top-to-bottom, he anticipates the dynamic of the team’s leadership will be different this season.In the midst of player mistreatment allegations surrounding his team — resulting in the depar...
Bollant speaks for the first time since allegations
August 5, 2015
Illinois head women's basketball coach Matt Bollant addressed the media for the first time today since allegations of racial abuse were levied at him back in May."I want our program to be a reflection of me." Illinois head coach Matt Bollant said Wednesday.In response to the allegations, The Universi...
UPDATED: Illini women's basketball investigation: no evidence of racism, abuse
August 3, 2015
And just like that, one of the investigations into the Illinois athletic department is over.Editor's note: read the entire report here.The law firm of Pugh, Jones and Johnson has determined that the allegations of several former women's basketball players are not supported by evidence, Cha...
Illinois hires new women's basketball assistant coach
July 27, 2015
The Illinois women's basketball team signed Jody Martinez to be an assistant coach, the University announced Monday.Martinez has spent time as a head coach in NAIA Division II, most recently with the Southeastern University Fire.“I’ve sat behind his bench and watched his team play several time...
Former employer endorses Bollant
July 26, 2015
Matt Bollant has had a rough summer. The head coach of the Illinois women’s basketball team is currently facing a $10-million-dollar lawsuit. Other named defendants include athletic director Mike Thomas and former assistant head coach Mike Divilbiss. The lawsuit comes from seven former players who claimed racial abu...
UPDATED: Former Illinois women's basketball players file suit against Matt Bollant, others
July 1, 2015
Former Illinois basketball players took the next step in their allegations against head women's basketball coach Matt Bollant, filing a suit in U.S. District Court in Urbana on Wednesday morning.Seven former players filed a lawsuit against Bollant, Athletic Director Mike Thomas, former assistant coac...
UPDATED: Illinois women’s basketball assistant coach leaves program under storm of accusations
By Declan Harty
May 18, 2015
The Illinois football program is not the only sport at the University that is dealing with allegations of player abuse. Chancellor Phyllis Wise’s office, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Access, and Academic Human Resources were involved in an investigation into allegations of player abuse by Il...
Illini women’s basketball looks for rebounding, less fouls against Virginia
December 3, 2014
The quick transition from Thanksgiving break back into work or school is never easy. After the Illinois women’s basketball team went 1-2 at the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands over break, the same will go for head coach Matt Bollant and his squad. Illinois will take on Virginia Wednesday as p...
Illini stack up short against power conference teams
December 12, 2013
There’s been two distinct teams that show up for the Illinois women’s basketball team. One team scorches the net with one of the best offenses in the country and wreaks havoc on opposing offenses by forcing turnovers. The other can’t keep up on the scoreboard and gives up huge runs at a time that ke...
Illini women’s basketball drops third straight game to No. 11 Colorado
December 9, 2013
With or without head coach Matt Bollant, the Illinois women’s basketball team can’t seem to shake its recent tailspin. For the third consecutive game, the Illini (5-5) couldn’t seem to mend their problems on both sides of the ball. Poor shooting and poor defending caused Illinois to lose its thir...
