The University of Maryland on Tuesday announced some preliminary findings from its investigation into the death of 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair, and the school is taking responsibility for mistakes that were made that led to the tragic outcome.
University of Maryland president Wallace Loh informed the media that he and other school officials spoke with McNair’s family and accepted “legal and moral responsibility” for McNair’s death.
Maryland President (and former Iowa provost) Wallace Loh told Jordan McNair's parents the university "accepts legal and moral responsibility" for training staff mistakes. Loh said training staff "misdiagnosed" situation. "For me that was enough for me to …personally apologize."
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) August 14, 2018
Maryland AD Damon Evans on preliminary findings: McNair did not receive appropriate care and mistakes were made by training staff. Emergency plan was insufficient. Training staff did not take McNair's temperature. (Kudos for accountability and honesty, but wow.)
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) August 14, 2018
Maryland AD Damon Evans: "Obviously we misdiagnosed and we did not act appropriately" regarding Jordan McNair suffering from heatstroke.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) August 14, 2018
Maryland AD Damon Evans chokes up when bringing up findings to Jordan McNair's parents this morning. "As a father, there are no words to say to Jordan's parents that are good enough. I have looked into the eyes of a grieving mother and father."
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) August 14, 2018
In the wake of the findings of the investigation, Maryland football strength coach Rick Court has resigned. Head coach DJ Durkin’s status remains unchanged, though Loh insisted the investigation continues and will be a thorough and independent one.
An attorney for the McNair family who is investigating Jordan’s death says that medical records and a 911 call show that McNair had a seizure around 5:00 pm on May 29, about 45 minutes into a workout involving a set of 10 110-yard sprints. Despite the alleged seizure, a 911 call was not made until nearly an hour later. McNair was said to have had a temperature of 106 at the hospital.
ESPN placed McNair’s death under the umbrella of what they believe is a “toxic culture” at Maryland, and there are also allegations of Durkin mistreating his players. Loh says those are being taken very seriously.
Maryland President Wallace Loh said conduct "unacceptable" and "inappropriate" related to bullying of student-athletes. "Regardless of the source, it's important we address it."
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) August 14, 2018
Durkin has already had one of his former employers enthusiastically defend him, but he needs to be held accountable if his action — or inaction — was in any way responsible for a player’s death or putting other student-athletes in danger.
