CHAMPAIGN – It's been a bad week for University of Illinois outside linebackers.

One day after touted freshman Eric Jefferson left school, Illinois announced on Tuesday junior Cyron Brown has been dismissed from the team. Coach Ron Turner said Brown "violated team rules."

Turner wouldn't elaborate on why Brown was dismissed.

Brown no longer is enrolled at the university. His mother, Cynthia Andrews, said Brown is living in Champaign.

Brown started at rush linebacker for the Illini in 1996. He had 34 tackles, including two sacks. Brown started six games as a sophomore at defensive tackle.

Brown had academic troubles before the '96 season. He didn't get a summer school course done in time and missed the first week of practice.

About the time Brown returned to practice, Jefferson left. A series of nagging injuries kept Jefferson off the field. He left for the season because of an undisclosed medical condition.

"It's not a matter of him not wanting to be around," Turner said. "He went through some difficult times last season. He's got some personal problems, and he felt the best way to work them out was to be back at home."

After meeting with Turner last week, Jefferson returned to his Shreveport, La., home on Monday.

"He wasn't figuring in our plans anyway," Turner said. "We figured if he was here it would be a bonus."

With Brown and Jefferson gone, the Illini have 65 scholarship players. Turner said he expects all the other players to return to the team.

Not all the players are free of trouble. Turner will keep a close eye on defensive back Terence Marable.

"We've got a plan worked out with him to see how he does," Turner said. "He's got to meet some requirements that he and I have talked about. If he does that, then he'll be invited out for spring ball."

Turner wants to add 18 recruits. The Illini have 15 commitments with a week left before the national signing date.