Maryland, strength and conditioning coach 'part ways' amid ESPN report

The University of Maryland and strength and conditioning coach Rick Court have parted ways, athletic director Damon Evans said during Tuesday’s press conference in College Park.

In his time at the podium, Evans mentioned that the university had “parted ways” with one of its staff members associated with the football program. When asked, Evans confirmed that it was Court, who had been serving as the strength and conditioning coach for the Terrapins.

Many initially assumed that Court had been fired after allegations of an abusive, intimidating and “toxic” environment surfaced. However, multiple reports stated that Maryland and Court came to a financial settlement.

Source tells me #Maryland strength and conditioning coach Rick Court resigned Monday and a financial settlement was reached with him today.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) August 14, 2018

According to Pete Thamel, the settlement came in a lump sum of $315,000.

Source: Rick Court's settlement with Maryland is a lump sum of $315,000, which is two thirds of what he was due for the remainder of his contract. There's no mitigation going forward. There's also a mutual release of all claims by the school and Court.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 14, 2018

Court was entering his third year at Maryland but had 16 years of experience in strength and conditioning, according to his profile on the University of Maryland athletics website.

There has been no change in the status of head coach D.J. Durkin, who is still on administrative leave.