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Seven former
players from the team on July 1 filed a federal lawsuit that
accused head coach Matt Bollant and his former assistant Mike
Divilbiss of violating their civil rights. They sought $10
million in damages.
The law firm of Pugh, Jones & Johnson, conducted 33 interviews,
reviewed more than 18,000 documents and looked at game and
practice footage in its probe of the allegations, the school
said in a statement.
"We find any allegations troubling, because they don't reflect
our values," Chancellor Phyllis Wise said in a statement.
"Student-athletes are part of our Illinois family, and we want
to ensure that their experiences are fulfilling."
A lawyer for the players was not immediately available for
comment.
The federal lawsuit said the coaches routinely called black
players "dogs," "toxic" and "crabs," while racially segregating
practices and travel accommodations during the last two seasons.
The coaches are also accused of disciplining black players more
harshly than white teammates, demeaning white players who
associated or defended black players and labeling black players
as unintelligent and undisciplined players, the lawsuit said.
The school said investigators found no truth to the accusations
of players being segregated by race during practice and at
hotels during road trips.
The probe also found that extra practice sessions included both
African-Americans and Caucasians held to ensure that athletes
who did not play a lot remained ready to play and were not
punitive.
Bollant and Divilbiss acknowledged that the tone of their
coaching at times was too negative, but the evidence shows their
actions did not constitute racial discrimination or harassment,
the school said.
The school said it will take steps to clarify expectations
regarding coaches' conduct, better define the coach-parent
relationship and enhancing resources for student-athletes to
report concerns or complaints.
(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Alan
Crosby)
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