The University System of Maryland Board of Regents on Friday took control over an external expert-led investigation into the death of a football player in June.
Jordan McNair, a 19-year-old football player at the University of Maryland, collapsed following a football workout session in late May leading to his death on June 13.
The board on Friday voted unanimously to take over the control of investigations into the death of the football player and the allegations of harassment and intimidation of the football players on the coaching staff.
“Our goal is to ensure that all system universities, including UMCP, are actively working to protect the health and safety of every student and to foster a supportive culture in which everyone can flourish,” Board of Regents Chair James Brady said.
Last week, the university placed its head coach DJ Durkin on paid leave following an ESPN report on “toxic culture at Maryland football” which highlighted disturbing methods used by the staff to coach football players primarily relying on fear, intimidation, humiliation, verbal abuse and using food punitively.
Meanwhile, University President Wallace D. Loh on Tuesday apologized to McNair’s family and appointed an external sports medicine and athletic training expert to conduct a comprehensive review of the circumstances leading to his death.
“Based on the expert’s preliminary observations thus far, we know that the care provided to Jordan was not consistent with best practices,” Loh said in a statement.
“Also, our trainers did not implement appropriately the emergency action plan, misdiagnosed the severity of Jordan’s initial symptoms, did not assess vital signs, and did not promptly and properly treat for exertional heat illness,” he added.
The external expert will submit his report by mid-September.
