The Illinois women’s basketball program is under fire following a shocking series of abuse allegations against the coaching staff from former players — including a claim that coaches considered conducting separate practices for black players.
According to letters written by the families of former players Jacqui Grant, Taylor Tuck and Taylor Gleason — addressed to university Chancellor Phyllis Wise — head coach Matt Bollant and assistant Mike Divilbiss “created racial tension among players by derogatorily noting the race of Illini players and opponents and attributing racial stereotypes to each.”
In addition, black players — mostly recruited by former coach Jolette Laws — were called “crabs.”
The letters also allege the coaches considered having “separate practices” for African-American players, and Divilbiss was also accused of “sexual inappropriateness.”
In addition to the allegations of racial abuse, Grant, Taylor ꦐand Gleason allegedly were forced to play and/or practice while injured.
Grant, who has since transferred to DePaul, was forced to play with an enlarged spleen while suffering from mononucleosis. The now-graduated Tuck was forced to practice and play with a high ankle sprain, while Gleasꦡon, who is transferring to Oakland University, was forced to play with a broken toe and later diagnosed with a broken foot.
Though the university and Divilbiss “agreed to part ways,” a university spokeswoman told the Tribune that the head coach Bollant is not facing any discipline “at this time.”
A statement by the school confirmed the chancellor’s office reviewed concerns made by the parents of the players, but said an internal investigation found “no violation of applicable law or university policy had occurred.”
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