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Ex-Maryland strength and conditioning coach issues statement after departure
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Shortly after Maryland athletic director Damon Evans announced that the university had parted ways with strength and conditioning coach Rick Court on Tuesday, the former staffer issued a message on Twitter.
Court and Maryland parted ways amidst the scandal surrounding the football program that stems from an ESPN report that labels the culture as “toxic.” According to Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports, Maryland and Court came to a financial settlement in which Court will receive $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
The first mention of Court’s split with the school came during Maryland’s press conference on Tuesday. Shortly after the press conference ended is when Court made his announcement public via Twitter.
https://twitter.com/courtstrength/status/1029450698965049344
“As a coach, it is critical for me to live what I strive to instill in my players, which is to be committed to the welfare of the team and to be a good man on and off of the field,” the statement read. “After thoughtful reflection, prayer and support, I have offered my resignation to the University of Maryland.
“The football student-athletes’ mental and physical health remain my number one priority; thus I am stepping down to allow the team to heal and move forward.”
Court also went on to thank head coach D.J. Durkin and says he’s “grateful” for the relationships he built with the players at Maryland.
Court was in his third season with the Terrapins but has 16 years of strength and conditioning experience.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB