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Maryland President: We accept legal and moral responsibility for Jordan McNair’s Death
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The University of Maryland called a press conference Tuesday afternoon for president Wallace Loh and athletic director Damon Evans to meet with the media regarding the death of Jordan McNair and the culture of the football program.
Both Loh and Evans addressed the media regarding both subjects. Loh led the press conference by saying that the University of Maryland accepts the “legal and moral responsibility for the mistakes that our training staff made on that fateful day” of McNair’s death.
Following those statements, both Loh and Evans said that an investigation into the football program was ongoing and that the findings will be made public.
Here were some of the other notable quotes from Tuesday’s press conference in College Park.
On the death of Jordan McNair:
Maryland president Wallace Loh says he and AD Damon Evans met today with parents of Jordan McNair.
Lot said he issued a personal apology and told the family "the university accepts legal and moral responsibility for the mistakes that our training staff made on that fateful day."
— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) August 14, 2018
Loh: "Based on what we know at this time … I said to the family, the university owes you an apology. You entrusted Jordan to our care and he is never returning home again."
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) August 14, 2018
Loh: I made this commitment to his parents that no Maryland student athlete will ever be in the situation where his or her life and safety will be at risk, especially when that risk is foreseeable
— David Steele (@David_C_Steele) August 14, 2018
Loh: "Some of our policies and protocols do not conform to best practices. They basically misdiagnosed the situation. No vital signs were taken. For me that was enough to say, I need to come and personally apologize."
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) August 14, 2018
On the ESPN report regarding Maryland’s “toxic” culture:
https://twitter.com/NicoleAuerbach/status/1029434554606657540
Loh says he has put together a team to review football program practices. D.J. Durkin clearly isn't being fired today, but his program is under review.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) August 14, 2018
Loh on allegations of an abusive culture within the Maryland football program:
“Very serious (allegations). … Totally inconsistent with our values.”
He continues: "These are allegations, but we have to take them very, very seriously.”
Pledges a thorough investigation.— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) August 14, 2018
Loh: You can motivate people and push them to the limit without bullying.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) August 14, 2018
#Maryland AD Damon Evans on allegations in ESPN's report of toxic culture: "We will not tolerate any behavior from any member within Maryland athletics that is detrimental to the mental and physical well-being of our student-athletes."
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 14, 2018
Maryland AD Damon Evans: The investigation into Jordan McNair's death is ongoing, but:
“We have learned Jordan did not receive appropriate medical care…Emergency response plan was not appropriately followed…The care we provided was not consistent with best practices.”
(1/2)— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) August 14, 2018
On the status of D.J. Durkin and the coaching staff:
Maryland announces it has fired Rick Court, the head strength coach at the center of ESPN's report.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) August 14, 2018
No change with DJ Durkin’s status.
The investigation into allegations of abusive culture in the football program is underway.
Maryland president Wallace Loh lists the members of an independent panel to investigate, promises expeditious but thorough process.— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) August 14, 2018
Durkin remains on administrative leave as Maryland continues its investigation into the program.
Loh and Evans both plan to make the findings of the investigation public when it concludes.
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