At Least 20 Current, Former Illini Players Back Tim Beckman On Social Media

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Some current and former Illinois football players started their own Twitter campaign in support of Illinois coach Tim Beckman and his staff following allegations they mishandled a player's injuries.

At least 20 past and current players posted messages Thursday using the hashtag #proudillini. Some were players who've had their own injuries while playing.

Senior linebacker Mason Monheim has had multiple injuries. He thanked the team for giving him a chance "when many others didn't."

Freshman running back Dre Brown said coaches have regularly checked on him following recent surgery for a knee injury.

Former offensive lineman Simon Cvijanovic this week used Twitter and interviews to accuse Beckman and his staff of pressuring him to play hurt and misleading him about an injury.

The university has hired a law firm to investigate.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.