CHAMPAIGN — Eddie McGee will be the Illinois backup quarterback and available to play in Saturday’s game against Indiana, coach Ron Zook said after Wednesday’s practice.
McGee was arrested at a dance on the Illinois campus early Sunday morning. McGee will be given a chance at adult diversion in lieu of criminal charges.
“You know me well enough to know if there was an issue with Eddie, there’d be something done,” Zook said. “I’m going to leave it at that. Eddie’s out here. Right now, our focus is on Indiana. Eddie’s focus is on Indiana.
“We do have good kids. Sometimes they get into situations maybe that you wish they wouldn’t, but that’s life. Sometimes, bad things happen to good people. He’s a good kid. I’m not going to punish him for something that I feel very, very comfortable with the outcome.”
Zook said McGee hasn’t had any issues in the past.
“He’s never been a problem,” Zook said.
McGee has played in one game this season, throwing two passes against Eastern Illinois. He works as Juice Williams’ backup, taking his share of practice repetitions each day.