DJ Durkin
Photo: Deadspin

The University of Maryland has put head football coach DJ Durkin and members on staff on administrative leave amid reports of a ‘toxic’ football program following the death of 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair.

Via CNN:
The university commissioned an external review and, “pending the final outcome,” has placed some of the staff on leave, said Jessica L. Jennings, director of communications, in a statement.
“We will be able to speak in greater detail when the review is complete and shared with the public,” Jennings wrote. “Our thoughts remain with Jordan McNair’s family, friends and teammates.”
Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada will serve as the team’s interim head coach while the University conducts the investigation just ahead of the team’s regular season opener on September 1st against Texas.
Friday, ESPN released a report detailing an alleged ‘toxic coaching culture’ from current and former players as well as current and former staff members. This ‘toxic culture’ included bullying, verbal abuse and humiliation directed at players. Furthermore the report outlines possible unhealthy eating practices endorsed by the coaching staff and used obscenity-laced epithets meant to mock players’ masculinity.
Via ESPN:

  • There is a coaching environment based on fear and intimidation. In one example, a player holding a meal while in a meeting had the meal slapped out of his hands in front of the team. At other times, small weights and other objects were thrown in the direction of players when Court was angry.

  • The belittling, humiliation and embarrassment of players is common. In one example, a player whom coaches wanted to lose weight was forced to eat candy bars as he was made to watch teammates working out.
  • Extreme verbal abuse of players occurs often. Players are routinely the targets of obscenity-laced epithets meant to mock their masculinity when they are unable to complete a workout or weight lift, for example. One player was belittled verbally after passing out during a drill.
  • Coaches have endorsed unhealthy eating habits and used food punitively; for example, a player said he was forced to overeat or eat to the point of vomiting.

Meanwhile, an initial investigation into the death of McNair reveal that the freshman collapsed doing 110-yard sprints during practice on May 29th. McNair was initially show signs of distress due to extreme exhaustion and had difficulty standing upright. He eventually passed away two weeks later. ESPN also reports that McNair had a body temp of 106-degrees before getting taken to the hospital.

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