May 15--Illinois players began a Twitter campaign Thursday morning to support coach Tim Beckman and the football staff, who have been accused by some former players of mistreatment.
Former receiver Miles Osei began the #IlliniProud hashtag, which is being used by players to state an anecdote that highlights a positive moment from their football careers. Many are using it to write about how Beckman handled their injuries appropriately or with care.
"I was fully given the option by my coaches and medical staff to halt my freshman season and receive surgery to my groin," linebacker Mason Monheim tweeted. "I chose to push through and have surgery after the season because I had an obligation to my teammates, coaches and family."
The Illini have hired a Chicago law firm to investigate allegations on Sunday from former offensive lineman Simon Cvijanovic of Beckman and the staff forcing him to play with knee and shoulder injuries, withholding medical information, attacking another former player at a practice and of using an athletic trainer who was not licensed by the state.
Other players since have come forward to state Beckman mistreated them.
On Wednesday, current and former players became more vocal in their support of Beckman. Some simply tweeted their thankfulness at being granted an Illinois scholarship, while others wrote about football's culture of playing through pain.
"Major college football is that of a competitive atmosphere," tweeted defensive lineman Rob Bain, who noted in another tweet that a scope of his injured knee recently was handled properly. "It is not for the faint of heart. If you can't handle it, get out."
Cvijanovic also tweeted: "I will always be an Illini and love my school. Stand strong Illini, against abuse and underrepresentation of athletes! #IlliniStrong."
sryan@tribpub.com
