July 30--Illinois coach Tim Beckman faced reporters for the first time Thursday since allegations of player mistreatment hit the program.
Asked about those allegations, Beckman said "we're focused right now on the 2015 football team."
Later asked whether he would change his coaching style in light of the reports, Beckman told the media gathered for Big Ten Media Days at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place that "the philosophy we continue to use is what these football players believe in."
Beckman enters his fourth season in Champaign with a team that has improved every season in his tenure yet is still considered a disappointing team and with his job considered in jeopardy.
When asked about a possible contract extension, Beckman simply said that he and his team are instead focused on the season opener against Kent State on Sept. 4.
During the offseason, Beckman has faced allegations from former players that he mistreated them with players claiming he forced them to play injured, physically confronted two players and threatened other players with the loss of scholarship.
He had not spoken to reporters since former offensive lineman Simon Cvijanovic launched a stream of accusations via Twitter on May 10.
The Illini are coming off a 6-7 season, which concluded with a bowl game loss. He has yet to record a winning season in Champaign.
sryan@tribpub.com
