Media members openly wondered why Illinois still employed athletic director Mike Thomas as far back as June 2015.
After all, an independent investigation was opened into the Illini football and women's basketball program and Thomas hired both Tim Beckman and Matt Bollant. The preliminary investigation results were enough to cost bad football coach Tim Beckman his job, but Mike Thomas appeared to weather the storm.
That was until Monday morning, when Illinois announced Thomas' "without cause" firing. The investigation by Chicago law firm Franczek Radelet P.C. found no misconduct or violations of policy from Thomas other than, you know, being bad at his job. Thomas had been the athletic director at Illinois since 2011.
The full report can be viewed here. A press conference is scheduled for noon ET.
"I understand the administration’s decision to turn the page and turn the focus of this organization back on the success and welfare of our student-athletes," Thomas said in a release. "The reports indicate that I acted appropriately and immediately whenever I learned of any issues related to the safety and well-being of our students. However, I understand the chancellor’s viewpoint that my continued presence may create an ongoing distraction for our students, coaches and staff, and I accept the situation."
Thomas will reportedly take a $2,500,000 buyout with him out the door.
The football team, currently 5-4 under interim head coach Bill Cubit, host No. 3 Ohio State Saturday at noon. Somewhere in the distance, Ron Zook sips a big ol' gulp of tea.
