Whistle Blower: Beckman's Firing 'Step In Right Direction'

(CBS) A former Illinois football player who made accusations leading to the downfall of head coach Tim Beckman says the university's firing of him Friday is a "step in the right direction" added more needs to be done to protect student athletes.

Simon Cvijanovic had accused Beckman of creating a culture of physical abuse and poor treatment of players. He claimed he was told a meniscus tear was "no big deal" and left the program for health reasons.

Citing an external investigation, Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas announced Friday he was firing Beckman, with no severance compensation.

"I'd like to say that it is definitely a step in the right direction and that following the findings of the university, I am calling (for) a meeting of the University of Illinois, the Big Ten, and the NCAA to discuss how to move forward," Cvijanovic said in a texted statement to cbschicago.com sportswriter Chris Emma.

"Clearly the current system of medical reporting and student athlete representation needs to be addressed," Cvijanovic added.

Cvijanovic was a four-year starter at tackle and prominent part of the Illinois football program but saw his career come to an end with a torn labrum suffered on Nov. 1 against Ohio State.

An external review found that Beckman deterred injury reporting and attempted to influence medical decisions during his tenure, which covered three seasons and started in December 2011. Beckman was also found to have threatened to take away scholarships from players in the spring semester of their senior year, after their commitment to the football team was done.