UMD Regents Head Steps Down In Football Controversy

COLLEGE PARK, MD — With some University of Maryland students, staffers, supporters and Gov. Larry Hogan raising questions about a controversial board of regents decision to reinstate embattled football coach D.J. Durkin — a decision nullified a day later when he was fired — board of regents Chairman James T. Brady said Thursday afternoon that he has stepped down immediately. Brady was hammered by critics for the board's action to return the Terrapins football coach, along with Athletic Director Damon Evans, to work after the death of student Jordan McNair this past summer.

While the regents reinstated Durkin on Tuesday, University President Wallace Loh fired the coach on Wednesday. That helped mollify critics who disagreed with the regents' handling of the football program in the death of Terrapins offensive lineman Jordan McNair on June 13. McNair, 19, collapsed during a preseason conditioning drill two weeks prior, and an independent investigation determined that trainers on the scene didn't follow proper procedures. That news sparked student backlash, and Loh said that while he respects Durkin personally, many stakeholders wanted a change, leading to the coach's termination.

Loh previously said he would retire at the end of the school year, but some supporters have urged him to change his mind.

Hogan called Thursday for a “complete and thorough investigation” into the board of regents' actions surrounding the football program.

“I was disappointed by the decision of the regents,” the governor told the Baltimore Sun. “I have no idea how they arrived at their recommendations. … We can ask for people’s registrations at some point if we feel that’s the proper step.”

SEE ALSO: UMD Fires Football Coach Durkin After Jordan McNair Death Report

Brady defended the board of regents in his Thursday statement, saying they have "engaged in a deep and thorough process of responding to issues arising out of the tragic death of Jordan McNair." He said he respects elected officials, the public and members of the board who disagreed with the majority recommendation to reinstate Durkin, calling it a difficult decision.

"In recent days, I have become the public face of both the board and its decisions related to these matters," Brady said. "In my estimation, my continued presence on the board will inhibit its ability to move Maryland’s higher education agenda forward. And I have no interest in serving as a distraction from that important work. Accordingly, I will step down from the Board of Regents immediately."

Hogan on Wednesday had called McNair's death a tragedy that must not be forgotten. Before word of Durkin's firing was made public, Hogan said the athletic department faces serious issues.

"University leadership still faces the considerable challenge of restoring the trust of students, families, and faculty, and proving that there is and will be accountability for any actions that adversely impact student welfare and the standing of our flagship university," Hogan said. "The addition of an oversight board seems to be a positive step, but many will understandably question whether enough has been done to address the serious concerns that exist among many in the College Park community - I am one of them."

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Loh apologized in August for what happened to McNair and said that steps would be taken to ensure that "no University of Maryland student-athlete is ever again put in a situation where his or her safety and life are at foreseeable risk."

A preliminary review found that trainers misdiagnosed Jordan's initial symptoms and did not even take his vital signs, according to Loh.

"The University accepts legal and moral responsibility for these mistakes," Loh said in a statement.
Following the ESPN report, Terps head football coach DJ Durkin was put on administrative leave. Strength and conditioning coach Rick Court "parted ways" with the university, according to CBS.

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Janney and Dan Taylor, Patch editors.

PHOTO: A mascot from the Maryland Terrapins celebrates after a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)