DJ Durkin was reinstated as Maryland football head coach Tuesday after the Board of Regents determined he has genuine concern for his players’ well-being, bore little responsibility for abusive strength and conditioning coach Rick Court and could not be blamed for the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair.
In a September survey completed by nearly 100 players, the team gave Durkin poor ratings, and the investigation into the team culture included many quotes from players who said he did not show adequate care for their health.
Multiple players walked out of Durkin’s meeting with the team, and a handful have spoken out about the decision publicly on Twitter, while many others have liked or retweeted them. Below are a collection of tweets from current Maryland football players.
Offensive lineman Ellis McKennie, former high school teammate of McNair:
Every Saturday my teammates and I have to kneel before the memorial of our fallen teammate. Yet a group of people do not have the courage to hold anyone accountable for his death. If only they could have the courage that Jordan had. It’s never the wrong time to do what’s right. pic.twitter.com/AaZVmLGTtS
— Ellis McKennie (@emck_cubed97) October 30, 2018
Tight end Michael Cornwell, former high school teammate of McNair:
Justice will come Mr. Marty in one form or another https://t.co/nlnAcc9jgp
— Michael Cornwell (@mikecorn5) October 30, 2018
Offensive lineman Tyran Hunt:
At the end of the day, a YOUNG life was lost. My brother, teammate. And to boil it down to even horrific matters, a paycheck was chosen over that life. Through whatever and forever, I live for Jordan Martin McNair. https://t.co/YX18QH6Pl5
— Tyran Hunt (@tyranjhunt) October 31, 2018
Linebacker Tre Watson:
Bruh you know I’m right here with you. Accountability is something people apparently struggle too much with and yet it doesn’t hurt them, but it comes right to us and led to the position we’re in today https://t.co/HoYkAWljJ5
— Tre Watson (@MDQue_33) October 31, 2018
Defensive lineman Adam McLean:
Because they have no clue of anything but being A terrapin recruit https://t.co/W48kj35yX3
— JUICE MCLEAN (@GodsGift_42) October 31, 2018
This story will be updated.
