Like three rushing tributaries forming the Big Muddy, the powerful UI entities of chancellor, president and Board of Trustees flowed into a confluent force to displace four-year Illini athletic director Mike Thomas earlier this month.
Before citing the motivating bases, let’s digress. Even if you carried negative feelings for Thomas, and regardless of how uncomfortable it is for him to return publicly, a fair and neighborly administration should invite him to the gala, Dec. 2 opening of State Farm Center. He masterminded and brainstormed the $170 million renovation.
He’s not a bad guy. He just got caught in the switches.