Illini offensive line coach Joe Gilbert threatens to boycott the bowl game due to contract dispute

On Wednesday, Gilbert said he and the three other remaining offensive assistants -- Smith, Brohm and Chip Long -- might boycott the game if the school didn't "step up and play in the next 48 hours."

"We all have opportunities to go elsewhere," Gilbert said. "So, if they want the bowl game to be coached, they better decide they want to treat us the right way."

Stewart Mandel