I felt compelled to respond after reading the speculation for reasons given for Mark Smith waiver request. It could be a case of making a gnat an elephant. I think there is better than strong probability there was no reason given at all. There was just a request for immediate eligibility in the climate of them being granted and Illinois was willing not to object. The basis of my thinking is what appeared in post article with Carlos Johnson Washington’s transfer to Grand Canyon. It’s very similar to Mark Smiths. I haven't seen anyone bring this up. Here’s what was says:
Washington transfer Carlos Johnson will play immediately at Grand Canyon. He went to Washington to play for former UW coach Lorenzo Romar but did not leave for Grand Canyon until his playing time decreased under new UW coach Mike Hopkins. Grand Canyon coach Dan Majerle sounded legitimately surprised Johnson’s waiver request was granted. “No idea,” Majerle told The Arizona Republic when asked what reasons were given. “We just filed.”
Another key for me was the Mizzou athletic director praising Josh Whitman for “working with them through the process”. Not just approving the waiver. Remember schools sometimes do place restrictions on schools they will not approve a player transferring to. So in this case the process could start between the two schools before the formal request to the NCAA. “Hey Josh we are considering requesting a waiver for Mark to be immediately eligible. Do you have any objections" Illinois being in the mindset of some fans “what do we care”. He's no longer here, didn't fit in anyway and not seeing any downside says “yeah sure and we'll help in any way you need us too”. So the waiver is filed for and no reason is even needed.
On the other hand in the case of Evansville where Dru Smith would seem to have a sound reason for a waiver, the athlete director voiced his displeasure about the transfer from the very beginning . So when approached about a waiver definitely wouldn't approve. So Mizzou goes through the formal process. He rejects it, Mizzou files an appeal, which at this point is when reasons for the waiver request and denial would come into play but not before this.
All so called so called reasons for a waiver request or allegations are purely speculations. Neither Mizzou, Illinois nor Smith has divulged any. In fact Illinois may not even know since it never came to that.
In the case of Evansville it's a matter of them strictly showing their discontent for losing their top two players to transfer. One of them as a graduate, which they can do nothing about, and Dru Smith a junior who they have the power to impede. In the end they are exercising the right to potentially block the one they can.