The University of Maryland’s football program has come under intense scrutiny in recent months. In August, two ESPN articles shed light on a potentially toxic culture within the program and the role it may have played in the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair. This spurred the university to place multiple coaches and trainers on leave and launch an external investigation, which the Board of Regents later took control of.
The investigation’s report was leaked to the public Oct. 25, prior to its public release Oct. 29. The 198-page document found that head coach DJ Durkin, university President Wallace Loh and athletic director Damon Evans, among others, bore responsibility for the fostering and maintaining of an abusive culture on the team.
The day after the report’s release, the Board of Regents recommended that the university reinstate Durkin as coach and retain Evans as athletic director. Loh, who reportedly pushed for Durkin’s ouster, also announced that he would retire at the conclusion of the 2018-19 academic year. But one day after Durkin returned as coach, the university announced it was firing him.
Below is The Diamondback’s complete coverage of the investigation and its fallout.
Last updated: Nov. 16, 2018
USM officials dodge tough questions from state lawmakers about Maryland football decisions
The system’s chancellor and board chair were close-lipped about their personnel moves.
By Hannah Himes | Published Nov. 16, 2018
(Brooks DuBose/For The Diamondback)
At UMD panel, football investigator says race wasn’t a factor in abusive team culture
“The problems were not necessarily race-oriented,” he said.
By Andy Kostka | Published Nov. 14, 2018
(Evan Kramer/The Diamondback)
Here’s what would need to happen to make UMD’s student athletics fee opt-in
Student groups are calling for the change after athletic department turbulence.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 14, 2018
(Elliot Scarangello/The Diamondback)
“That’s behind us”: UMD President Wallace Loh wants to move past the last two weeks
They were filled with personnel changes, rallies and turmoil.
By Leah Brennan | Published Nov. 12, 2018
(Evan Kramer/The Diamondback)
From band members to tour guides, UMD students weigh supporting a school in crisis
After investigations into UMD’s football culture and a player’s death, these students address supporting their school when it’s part of their job.
By Mary Dimitrov | Published Nov. 9, 2018
(Gabby Baniqued/The Diamondback)
An LGBTQ advocate at UMD wants Title IX to investigate the football program
A report on the team revealed a coach frequently hurled homophobic and sexist insults at players.
By Angela Roberts | Published Nov. 9, 2018
(Elliot Scarangello/The Diamondback)
Firing DJ Durkin allowed Maryland football to return to its new normal
It’s been Matt Canada’s program — at least in name — for months.
By Andy Kostka | Published Nov. 9, 2018
(Andi Wenck/The Diamondback)
New chairwoman apologizes for Board of Regents’ decisions on Maryland football scandal
Linda Gooden was elected the board’s chair on Wednesday.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 7, 2018
(Tom Hausman/The Diamondback)
After 5 months, UMD parts ways with trainers who failed to properly treat Jordan McNair
Steve Nordwall and Wes Robinson are no longer employed by the university.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 7, 2018
(Jaclyn Borowski/The Diamondback)
GSG: DJ Durkin should donate part of his contract buyout to UMD’s Title IX office
Because the university fired Durkin without cause, it owes him more than $5 million.
By Angela Roberts | Published Nov. 6, 2018
(Angela Roberts/For The Diamondback)
Disillusioned with UMD’s leadership, 24 student groups rally to “Fire the Liars”
The protest fired back at the SGA, which held a rally to support student-athletes and pushed game attendance.
By Arya Hodjat | Published Nov. 6, 2018
(Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
UMD Senate: Board of Regents “grossly exceeded its authority” by pushing for DJ Durkin to stay
The senate took issue with the board’s “overreach and violation of basic principles of higher education.”
By Grace Mottley | Published Nov. 4, 2018
At “Justice for Jordan” rally, UMD student groups clash over football support
The rally exposed a rift between student groups.
By Jillian Atelsek | Published Nov. 2, 2018
(Photo courtesy of Jon Orbach)
UMD Police are investigating Tuesday’s fight between two football players
There are conflicting reports on whether the fight was about DJ Durkin.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Nov. 2, 2018
(File photo/The Diamondback)
James Brady resigns as Board of Regents chair amid Maryland football scandal
Brady and the board had come under fire for supporting head football coach DJ Durkin.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 1, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
UMD’s accreditation is under review in the wake of football scandals
The university’s accreditation was last reaffirmed in 2017.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Nov. 1, 2018
(Josh Loock/The Diamondback)
Report: Board of Regents recommended UMD keep trainers that botched Jordan McNair’s treatment
Steve Nordwall and Wes Robinson have been on administrative leave since August.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 1, 2018
(Charlie DeBoyace/The Diamondback)
McNair lawyer calls for firing of Regents chairman and for Wallace Loh to remain president
Billy Murphy said Chairman James Brady is “a remaining impediment for justice.”
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 1, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
The letter expressed “dismay and deep concern” after Loh’s “forced retirement.”
By Jillian Atelsek | Published Nov. 1, 2018
(Stephanie Natoli/The Diamondback)
Fight at Maryland football practice wasn’t about Durkin, lasted
‘a few seconds,’ per source
There have been conflicting accounts about the altercation between punters Wade Lees and Matt Barber.
By Andy Kostka | Published Nov. 1, 2018
(Elliot Scarangello/The Diamondback)
“A roller-coaster”: Maryland football reacts to DJ Durkin’s return, firing
“The right decision was made for justice for Jordan and for everything to be easier for us as players.”
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 1, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
“I can’t believe it took them this long”: UMD students react to DJ Durkin’s firing
Durkin’s reinstatement lasted barely a day.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Nov. 1, 2018
(File photo/The Diamondback)
After football scandal, UMD’s SGA wants student athletic fee to be opt-in
The SGA rescinded its resolution calling for DJ Durkin’s firing after he was fired.
By Victoria Ebner | Published Nov. 1, 2018
(Elliot Scarangello/The Diamondback)
Maryland fires coach DJ Durkin, one day after Board of Regents recommended he stay
Durkin was reinstated as coach Tuesday.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Oct. 31, 2018
(Elliot Scarangello/The Diamondback)
Maryland lawmakers will have a hearing for Board of Regents after DJ Durkin’s reinstatement
The decision to reinstate Durkin was met with widespread criticism.
By Christine Condon | Published Oct. 31, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
UMD SGA to propose resolution calling for DJ Durkin to be fired
After Durkin was reinstated, the SGA held an executive meeting to discuss next steps.
By Victoria Ebner | Published Oct. 31, 2018
(Elliot Scarangello/The Diamondback)
Maryland football players speak out on Twitter about DJ Durkin decision
“A paycheck was chosen over [Jordan McNair’s] life.”
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 31, 2018
(Image via Twitter)
DJ Durkin’s coaching potential and personal testimony won over Maryland’s Board of Regents
Durkin had been on administrative leave since August.
By Arya Hodjat and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 31, 2018
(Matt Regan/The Diamondback)
“How many more kids have to die?”: UMD students react to Durkin’s return, Loh’s retirement
DJ Durkin was reinstated as the Terps’ coach Tuesday.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Oct. 31, 2018
(File photo/The Diamondback)
A week before midterms, Maryland politicians weigh in on UMD football fallout
Gov. Larry Hogan expressed some doubts about the decision to reinstate DJ Durkin.
By Hannah Himes | Published Oct. 31, 2018
(Courtesy of Larry Canner)
UMD President Wallace Loh is retiring. Here’s a look at his eight-year tenure.
Loh announced he will step down next year.
By Leah Brennan | Published Oct. 31, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
DJ Durkin is back as Maryland football coach, will be on sideline Saturday vs. Michigan State
Matt Canada went 5-3 in Durkin’s absence.
By Arya Hodjat and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 30, 2018
(Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
Jordan McNair’s parents: Keeping Durkin, Evans is like being “punched in the stomach”
Marty McNair and Tonya Wilson spoke at a press conference after the Board of Regents recommended Durkin and Evans continue in their positions.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 30, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
UMD’s DJ Durkin, Damon Evans will keep jobs; Wallace Loh to retire in June
The Board of Regents announced the decision Tuesday.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 30, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
Maryland football investigation includes statement from Kevin Anderson and full 2016 email
A leaked version last week did not include the report’s appendices.
By Andy Kostka | Published Oct. 30, 2018
(File photo/The Diamondback)
As Evans left the meeting, he told reporters, “We just have to wait to see what happens.”
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 28, 2018
(From left: Marquise McKine/The Diamondback, Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback, Teresa Johnson/For The Diamondback)
Maryland football investigation: Team training staff lacked oversight, accountability
Because of confusion within the athletic department, much of the football training staff was acting unsupervised.
By Arya Hodjat and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 26, 2018
(Jaclyn Borowski/The Diamondback)
University leadership contributed to the athletic department’s “ongoing dysfunction.”
By Leah Brennan | Published Oct. 26, 2018
(Richard Moglen/The Diamondback)
The investigation was supposed to focus on the football program, but commission members said that “significant dysfunction” in the athletic department was a major factor.
By Christine Condon | Published Oct. 26, 2018
(Charlie DeBoyace/The Diamondback)
That lack of supervision led to some of the abusive tactics in place.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 26, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
Court made a habit of pushing players past their physical limits and embarrassing and degrading them.
By Jillian Atelsek | Published Oct. 26, 2018
(Photo via UMTerps)
Durkin maintains that strength and conditioning coach Rick Court was not abusive, despite reams of evidence and testimony to the contrary.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 26, 2018
(Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
The investigation into the program stopped short of calling the culture “toxic.”
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 25, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
Board of Regents to meet for 3rd time discussing Maryland football culture investigation
A previous announcement said public release of findings and decisions were expected by Oct. 30.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 25, 2018
(Tom Hausman/The Diamondback)
USM Board of Regents to review results of investigation into Maryland football’s culture Friday
There will not be “media availabilities or statements” at the meeting.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 17, 2018
(File photo/The Diamondback)
UMD President Wallace Loh confirms he got an anonymous email about football program abuse
Loh denied receiving a hand-delivered letter.
By Leah Brennan | Published Oct. 4, 2018
(Mateo Pacheco/The Diamondback)
UMD President Wallace Loh: “I had never ever” heard claims of abusive football culture
Loh spoke at a University Senate meeting Tuesday.
By Grace Mottley | Published Oct. 2, 2018
(Mateo Pacheco/The Diamondback)
Despite mounting evidence, top boosters stand by Maryland football’s DJ Durkin
The embattled Terps coach remains on leave after reports of abuse in the program.
By Andy Kostka | Published Oct. 1, 2018
(Christian Jenkins/The Diamondback)
More players and parents detail Maryland football’s culture under “psychopath” DJ Durkin
But some players maintain that the environment was appropriate.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Sept. 30, 2018
(Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
Top Maryland athletics donors show support for DJ Durkin in letter to Board of Regents
“We want the Board to know what a gem they have in DJ Durkin.”
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 30, 2018
(Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
Maryland Senate President: UMD is “hopelessly outgunned” in athletics scandal
Thomas V. Mike Miller criticized university leadership’s handling of football scandals.
By Hannah Himes | Published Aug. 30, 2018
Left: Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (Image via NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Flickr). Right: University President Wallace Loh (Christian Jenkins/The Diamondback).
Amid athletics scandals, UMD students ponder how to show school pride
Students returned to campus to find the athletic department in turmoil.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Aug. 26, 2018
(File photo/The Diamondback)
Former governor, NFL quarterback, congressman all added to commission on Maryland football
The Board of Regents has added five new members to the commission.
By Christine Condon and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 24, 2018
(Images via Wikimedia Commons)
USM Board of Regents will take control of investigation into Maryland football culture
The board will also assume control of the investigation into Jordan McNair’s death.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan, Andy Kostka and Arya Hodjat | Published Aug. 17, 2018
(Tom Hausman/The Diamondback)
Jordan McNair’s father: DJ Durkin shouldn’t be allowed to coach again
“He shouldn’t be able to work with anybody else’s kid.”
By Jordan Katz | Published Aug. 17, 2018
(Screenshot via ESPN)
USM Board of Regents will meet Friday to discuss fallout from Jordan McNair’s death
The board sets policy for the University System of Maryland’s 12 institutions.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 16, 2018
(Tom Hausman/The Diamondback)
UMD announces task force investigating reports of abuse in football program
The four-person task force consists of two retired judges, a former federal prosecutor and a yet-to-be-named former coach and athletic director.
By Andy Kostka | Published Aug. 14, 2018
(Andy Kostka/For The Diamondback)
UMD parts ways with strength and conditioning coach Rick Court after reports of abuse
Court was one of DJ Durkin’s first hires.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 14, 2018
(File photo/The Diamondback)
Lawyers for Jordan McNair’s family call for UMD to fire DJ Durkin immediately
The family’s attorneys also called for the release of footage of McNair’s final workout.
By Grace Mottley | Published Aug. 12, 2018
(Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
Maryland football coach DJ Durkin placed on leave after reports of abusive culture
Offensive coordinator Matt Canada will serve as interim head coach.
By Arya Hodjat and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 11, 2018
(Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
Three Maryland football staffers placed on leave after reports of “toxic” environment
An ESPN report on Friday outlined a culture of abuse in the Maryland football program under DJ Durkin.
By Arya Hodjat | Published Aug. 11, 2018
(File photo/The Diamondback)
Maryland football’s culture under DJ Durkin has been abusive to players, ESPN report says
The report details a pattern of abuse from Durkin, along with close confidant Rick Court.
By Arya Hodjat | Published Aug. 10, 2018
(Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
