CHAMPAIGN — The conclusion of the external investigation into the Illinois women’s basketball program yielded, perhaps, the expected reactions.
Bob White and Marvin Rice, Illini fathers who have been supportive of the coaching staff and doubted the veracity of allegations of verbal abuse and racial discrimination, were not surprised that Chicago law firm Pugh, Jones & Johnson concluded that the allegations were not supported by the information they garnered in their review.
“Am I pleased? Yes,” said White, the father of Illinois sophomore Chatrice White said. “Am I surprised? No.”
The investigation by Pugh, Jones & Johnson included examining more than 18,000 documents, 33 interviews, statements from eight former players — including seven that have filed a $10 million lawsuit against the university, coach Matt Bollant, former assistant Mike Divilbiss and athletic director Mike Thomas — and the review of game and practice video footage.