Players' group wants independent U of Illinois investigation

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - A national advocacy group for college football players says complaints about Illinois coach Tim Beckman's handling of a former player's injuries should be investigated by someone outside the university.

National College Players Association Executive Director Ramogi Huma also said in a letter to Urbana-Champaign campus Chancellor Phyllis Wise that the findings of the investigation should be made public and that anyone found to have abused players be fired. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter.

Wise was not immediately available for comment.

Athletic director Mike Thomas has said he supports Beckman but is working with Wise to review the accusations by former player Simon Cvijanovic. The results will be kept private.

Beckman said Tuesday he was disappointed by Cvijanovic's accusations but overwhelmed by support he has received.