Beckman responds to dismissal, states he will defend legal rights
Tim Beckman is in his fourth year as Illini football head coach. Last season, he led the Illini to their first bowl game since 2011. The Illini finished the season with a 6-7 overall record.
August 29, 2015
Tim Beckman was “shocked and disappointed” by his dismissal from his position as Illinois head football coach, which was announced Friday afternoon.
Beckman, who could not be immediately reached by phone, issued a statement to the Associated Press’ Ralph D. Russo stating that he plans to “vigorously defend” his legal rights and reputation. Beckman wrote that he had been in full compliance with the University’s investigation into the allegations of mistreatment.
“The fact that the University did not even complete its investigation in this matter is evidence that this entire process was nothing more than a rush to judgement and confirms the University’s abject bad faith,” he wrote. “Furthermore, the University’s actions today are in violation of the procedures mandated under my employment agreement.”
The following are tweets from Russo’s Twitter account that detail Beckman’s full statement.
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Tim Beckman statement: “I will vigorously defend both my reputation and my legal rights.”
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) August 28, 2015
