Illinois Basketball Coaches Under Investigation: Latest Details and Comments

The University of Illinois has hired an outside law firm to investigate two women's basketball coaches—head coach Matt Bollant and assistant coach Mike Divilbiss—after several players' families expressed disappointment with the school's investigation into allegations of racism regarding the coaching staff. 

Continue for updates.

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Illinois Continuing Investigation Through Outside Firm

Tuesday, May 26

The Chicago Tribune had the report Tuesday:

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An internal review by the university's office of diversity, equity and access initially found no violation of "applicable law, NCAA rules or university policy," but athletic director Mike Thomas and chancellor Phyllis Wise "have decided to contract with an external firm to continue and finalize that preliminary review," according to a university spokeswoman.

Pugh, Jones and Johnson, a Chicago firm, will examine on allegations of mistreatment that included coach Matt Bollant and assistant coach Mike Divilbiss making racist remarks and creating racial tension on the team. Seven players' families have written the university expressing disappointment with the initial review.

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Per the report, the families of former players Jacqui Grant, Taylor Tuck and Taylor Gleason claimed the coaches called black players "crabs," entertained the notion of having separate practices for the black players and that Divilbiss—who is no longer on the coaching staff—was responsible for "sexual inappropriateness."

The letters also claimed several players were forced to play through injuries or medical conditions that should have sidelined them. 

The NCAA will likely pay close attention to the findings of Pugh, Jones and Johnson. It will also likely take into account Illinois' decision to bring in an outside firm to investigate these allegations should the firm find the players' accounts to be true and the coaches' actions in violation of NCAA or university rules. 

It remains to be seen what punishments, if any, the NCAA would hand down to the university in that scenario.