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Simon Cvijanovic: Illinois AD to Open Probe into Allegations of Abuse Against Football Coach

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The University of Illinois is standing by head football coach Tim Beckman amid ugly allegations of abuse, which the athletic department will review.

According to ESPN, Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas confirmed the department would open a probe in a teleconference with reporters on Monday. A former Fighting Illini offensive lineman, Simon Cvijanovic started posting to his Twitter account on Sunday accusations of bullying and abuse against Beckman.

Posting accounts and avocations for unions among college athletes, Cvijanovic claimed he and other players were pushed into playing through various injuries, resulting in long-term damage.

SB Nation compiled a list of various accusations.

"The feedback I get from the players and our players' families is that these coaches genuinely care for them and treat them like their own children," Thomas told reporters, noting Cvijanovic's well being was paramount in the matter.

A four-year starter now estranged from the team, Cvijanovic said on Twitter he faces a lifetime of physical and mental therapy for what Beckman put him through.

"We will have a follow-up," Thomas said. "We will review, and the timeline and who's to be involved will be determined very soon."

Beckman also responded to Cvijanovic's claims Sunday when news broke of his extensive posts to Twitter.

"Simon Cvijanovic was a valued member of the University of Illinois football team. He chose to leave the team during the 2014 regular season and withdrew from the university before the end of the semester," Beckman said in a statement obtained by the Champaign Room. "Upon his return for the spring semester, we have continued to support him with medical care an academic scholarship and academic advising. We cannot make any student accept our support. We wish him success in completing his degree, and we wish him the best of success in whatever he pursues after he graduates."

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