CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics today released information related to an internal review of the Fighting Illini men's basketball program following receipt of a complaint stemming from events during the 2017-18 season. The allegations focused on head coach Brad Underwood's behavior and language. The review, concluded prior to the 2018-19 season, confirmed that Underwood's coaching style, while intense and challenging, was not abusive or in violation of applicable University or DIA policies.
The review, initiated by Director of Athletics Josh Whitman, followed DIA's standard protocol for investigating claims against any member of its coaching staff, including adherence to strict confidentiality guidelines. Two members of the University's faculty led the review, which was conducted in tandem with two members of DIA's Executive Staff, including its Chief Integrity Officer. The review, which included interviews with team members, coaches, and support staff, was prepared, executed, and concluded with the full knowledge and support of the Chancellor's Office and the assistance of Campus Legal Counsel.
"There is nothing more important to us than the experience of our student-athletes," Whitman said. "With approximately 500 men and women competing in 21 sports, it should come as no surprise that we occasionally receive information pertaining to potential problems between student-athletes and coaches. In these situations, the DIA has developed a standard, comprehensive review protocol.
"In this case, the system again worked as it has been designed," continued Whitman. "The allegations we received were concerning, and we acted swiftly to ensure that the environment within our men's basketball program was constructive, appropriate and reflective of our University's values. I was pleased to learn that our players, staff and coaches have a strong affinity for each other and, in particular, appreciate the leadership provided by Coach Underwood.
"Without question, Coach Underwood creates an intense, challenging environment where he routinely pushes people out of their respective comfort zones," said Whitman. "As evidenced by feedback we received, the people associated with our program believe that growth often comes from such an atmosphere. Nonetheless, the focus of my conversations with Brad after his first season was his need for improvement in his use of language and in his interactions with student-athletes. I have always been impressed with Brad's willingness to self-reflect and his interest in personal improvement, and our discussions again showed his commitment in these areas."
The collective interviews demonstrated a strong consensus that the program was moving in a positive direction. Due to the nature of the allegations and the visibility of the men's basketball program, Chancellor Robert Jones was kept apprised of the review from its outset and ultimately closed the matter following the review's conclusion and consultation with the faculty members and Whitman.
"Josh prioritizes integrity above all else and, as a former student-athlete and Illinois alumnus, will never sacrifice the experience of our student-athletes, which was so meaningful in his own life," said Jones. "Since Josh's arrival, we have developed robust procedures for reviewing claims of this kind, including a prominent role for the objective voice of our faculty. I have great confidence in the process undertaken and the conclusions we reached, and I look forward to supporting Coach Underwood and our men's basketball student-athletes as they progress toward a successful future."
Coach Underwood participated fully in the review and saw it as an opportunity for self-reflection and improvement.
"At heart I'm an educator, and I ask my players to continually strive to better themselves, and I take great pride in doing that as well," said Underwood. "Even before this situation arose, Josh and I had spoken, and I had taken a step back to think critically about how I interact with my team. Without question, our environment is intense and challenging, and I want players in our program to thrive in that atmosphere. But there are moments where I can be a more effective communicator and leader, and this process helped me recognize that.
"Just as I saw growth in our team during this most recent season, I hope our team saw growth in me," continued Underwood. "Every day we come to the gym to work together and push one another to improve. I am excited about what we have started and look forward to continuing our journey together."
To protect the identities of the involved individuals, the review was conducted under strict confidentiality guidelines. DIA is choosing to release these materials now because an unidentified third-party shared information to the media, resulting in several inquiries.
