Aug. 03--An independent investigation launched by the university into claims of racial discrimination on the Illinois women's basketball team showed no wrongdoing.
The university released findings on Monday morning of the investigation, which was conducted by the Chicago law firm Pugh, Jones and Johnson and included more than 18,000 documents, 33 interviews, statements from eight players accusing coaches of mistreatment and review of game and practice video.
Seven former Illini women's players have filed a lawsuit against the university, naming head coach Matt Bollant, former assistant Mike Divilbiss and athletic director Mike Thomas.
Attorney Terry Ekl, who represents the seven former players who filed suit, said he still is reviewing the findings.
"My initial reaction is that I am not surprised that investigators, selected by the university and paid by the university would issue a report favorable to their client," he said. "This is precisely why we did not wait until the conclusion of the university funded investigation to be completed before we filed suit."
The report recommended the university clarify expectations for coaches' conduct and more clearly define the relationship between coaches and parents, while also "enhancing resources for student-athletes to report concerns or complaints about their experience at Illinois."
"We find any allegations troubling, because they don't reflect our values," Chancellor Phyllis Wise said in a statement. "Student-athletes are part of our Illinois family, and we want to ensure that their experiences are fulfilling, and that they are able to work toward an Illinois degree and prepare for lives of leadership and impact."
The report noted that Divilbiss "treated players harshly in a number of incidents and more harshly than other coaches," but the report denied that the treatment was based on the races of players.
Players' allegations of segregated practices and room assignments were also deemed unfounded by the law firm's investigation. Most hotel room assignments for road games put players of different races together, the investigation found.
The report noted that extra practices "were not punitive"and were designed for players who competed less than 20 minutes in the previous game.
Bollant and Divilbiss noted in the investigation that their "coaching at times was too negative," but the report found it did not constitute as racial discrimination.
"Going forward, we must ensure that our coaches and staff members have a clearer understanding of our core values and expectations, and that our student-athletes never, ever feel they have nowhere to go when they have concerns," Wise said.
