March 5, 2007

University of Illinois head football coach Ron Zook announced today the dismissal of Illini football players, Jody Ellis and Derrick McPhearson, from the team. Both players were charged with alleged criminal activity.

"After talking with Coach Guenther and Chancellor Herman, it was agreed that both Jody and Derrick would be dismissed from the football team," said Zook. "This kind of behavior will not be tolerated. It is not only disrespectful to this football team, but to the University of Illinois as well. We will not allow any one person to tear down the reputation of this program.

"We will carry ourselves with a certain level of dignity," Zook continued. "We will act right and we will obey the law. Period."

"The past few weeks have been very difficult for everyone in the DIA," Director of Athletics Ron Guenther said. "We have set a high standard for student-athlete behavior, and it should be. Our kids get a tremendous amount of support from all areas of the department. Therefore after reviewing this incident, it was in the best interest of both parties that the athletes be dismissed and their scholarships not renewed."