Ex-Illini Players’ Attorney Says Report Doesn’t Surprise Him

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) – The attorney for a group of former Illini women’s basketball players says he’s not surprised a university-funded report showed his clients’ accusations of mistreatment were unfounded.
Attorney Terry Ekl says that’s why he and his clients didn’t wait for the report findings before filing their lawsuit against the school. The University of Illinois paid a Chicago law firm to do the investigation, which was released Monday.

Seven former players sued the university, coach Matt Bollant, athletic director Mike Thomas and others on July 1. They alleged Bollant and some other coaches used race to divide the team and drive players out.

Some current players and their parents have disputed the claims made in the lawsuit.