CHAMPAIGN — Josh Whitman felt like how many Illinois fans did on June 7.
When word came from the NCAA that Illinois tight end Luke Ford wouldn't play football for the Illini in 2019 because his transfer waiver was denied, the Illinois athletic director said he was frustrated. Disappointed. Upset.
"We're going to advocate what is in the best interests of our student-athletes," Whitman said. "Luke is an incredible young man. Excited to have him on our campus. We want what's best for him, and what was best for him was to have the chance to put the helmet on this year and walk into Memorial Stadium and compete.