Illinois Football news: Bret Bielema clarifies “fake” injuries

News: Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema joined Sirius XM Big Ten Radio on Friday (1/3) to discuss an assortment of hot topics surrounding the fighting Illini’s recent 21-17 Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina. Included in the discussion, of course, was the crazy in-game drama that unfolded between the Bielema and South Carolina head coach Shame Beamer.

Of course, the recent heated exchange with Gamecock’s head coach has sparked a flurry of heated opinions and claims across social media, and the college football media landscape. Included among those claims, is that Bielema “faked” injuries, according to Shane Beamer.

For Bielema, the accusation is “Absolutely Ludicrous”

Bielema on “Ludicrous” claims of fake injuries

“There were made mentions to me the day after, saying that we’re faking injuries,” says Bielema. “We had three players that I had to go on to the field and tend to, two of those three players never even came back in the game. Actually, one is going to require surgery.”

Note: Bielema never clarified exactly which three players he is referring to. However, Jahiem Clarke, Malachi Hood, and Ca’lil Valentine all left the game due to injury.

The Illini coach continued, “So, it’s complete bologna that we were faking injuries, it’s absolutely Ludicrous. Three players were injured that we had to stop the game for. Two of those three never actually returned to the game. The one that was injured when I went over there (Clarke) had a head injury, and I appreciate coach Beamer, he actually patted him on the ass and said, “I hope you get better,” I think.”

Bielema concluded “Unfortunately for us, those two players left the game, for the entire game, that are good players that we never got back. But, we were fortunate enough to win the game.

Watch

Fireworks were flying at the Citrus Bowl between @IlliniFootball and South Carolina, especially between the head coaches!@BretBielema explains his gesture towards the Gamecocks sideline.

🎧 Listen to the full answer here: https://t.co/EVJnZ5RZEK@ESPN_Schick | @BenHartsock pic.twitter.com/wY1MDgIizs

— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) January 3, 2025

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