Former coach at Widener is Illini's interim

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -

In the wake of the firing of Illinois head football coach Tim Beckman, Sharon Hill native Bill Cubit has been named the Illini's interim head coach.

Illinois abruptly fired Beckman yesterday, one week before the start of the season, after an investigation of player mistreatment allegations revealed he had meddled in medical issues and inappropriately treated athletes who remained on scholarship after leaving the team.

Athletic director Mike Thomas said the timing was unfortunate but "it was in the best interests of student-athletes to act now." Thomas said the final report of the investigation would not be completed and publicly released until during the season.

The Illini face Kent State at home Sept. 4 to start the season.

Illinois said Beckman will not receive $3.1 million remaining on the final two years of his original five-year contract or the $743,000 buyout.

Cubit, the Illini's offensive coordinator, played collegiately at Delaware and was the head coach at Widener from 1992-96.

Beckman was 12-25 at Illinois, improving the team's record each season. The Illini went 6-7 last year and reached the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

* LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron says he has been treated for prostate cancer, but has been given "a clean bill of health" and plans to maintain his regular coaching duties. Cameron, 54, who spoke about his health after last night's practice, has been involved in training camp and asserts that he is "ready to roll."