Illinois Fighting Illini Football Head Coach Tim Beckman had a reputation that preceded him. While he was at Toledo he was known as allegedly being quite difficult according to some media. Those that covered the currently embattled Illini head coach depicted him as
1.) a leader who allegedly comprised his staff of nothing but yes men
2.) believed that the media should act mostly as an extension his team
Both of these characterizations are especially relevant today given that former Illini OL Simon Cvijanovic has been publishing a very long series of Tweets that have accused Beckman of grossly mistreating his players. The allegations have been rather serious.
Tim Beckman’s character is under further scrutiny after the Illinois student published a quote from former Illini defensive back Nick North, who said Beckman “takes the cake as the worst coach I ever met.”
Meanwhile, the University of Illinois Chancellor’s Office will review Cvijanovic’s allegations and Athletic director Mike Thomas not be a part of that investigation.
Regarding Introductory Point #1:
Many of Cvijanovic’s claims seem to support this idea, as his tweets depict Beckman in this manner. As does a sideline incident that occurred during the 2013 Ohio State game. Beckman and Offensive Coordinator Bill Cubit got into a heated dispute that actually resulted in a physical altercation.
Regarding Introductory Point #2:
This past Signing Day in February saw Beckman himself essentially verify this alleged perception. You’ll recall his pleas to the media at his press conference that day, urging reporters to be part of his team proverbially. Tim Beckman explicitly stated that he believes the media should write positive stories that build his team up.
Up until 2015, most media regarded Tim Beckman as a really nice guy who just happened to be in over his head a little. Before Signing Day, he was often portrayed as well meaning but in unfortunate possession of very poor PR skills.
In light of what’s happened this week, we’ll probably never look at Tim Beckman with that characterization again. Today, his faults seem to be much more severe and also in greater supply.
What’s most unfortunate is that these faults were present well before he arrived in Champaign. Perhaps Athletic Director Mike Thomas should have done a more thorough job of vetting him.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook