Women’s Basketball Coaches At Illinois Allegedly Considered Separate Practices For African-American Players

The Illinois Women’s Basketball program has been rocked by allegations of racism, sexual misconduct and mistreatment of injured players. Assistant coach Mike Divilbiss has left the program as a result. Parents asked the school to look into the team after African-American players were allegedly called “crabs” by an assistant coach. And it gets much worse, according to the Daily Illini.

The letters also noted that Bollant and Divilbiss created racial tension among players by derogatorily noting the race of Illini players and opponents and attributing racial stereotypes to each. The families allege black players mostly recruited by former coach Jolette Laws, who was fired by Thomas, at one point were called “crabs” by the current coaches.

One letter alleges that coaches considered having separate practices for African-American players.

As if the allegations of racism weren’t bad enough, players were often told to play with serious injuries.

The families allege that Tuck was forced to practice and play with a high ankle sprain, Gleason was forced to play with a broken toe and was later diagnosed with a broken foot, and Grant was forced to play with an enlarged spleen while suffering from mononucleosis.

The University of Illinois Office of Diversity, Equity and Access and Academic Human Resources reported “no violation of applicable law or university policy” after interviewing more than 20 people in the program. Yet, four players have opted to transfer.

[Chicago Tribune]

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