ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement regarding the University System of Maryland Board of Regents’ announcement of the results of their investigation into the University of Maryland, College Park athletic program:
"First and foremost, we cannot lose sight of the events that led to the Board of Regents’ investigation. The death of Jordan McNair was a terrible tragedy that should never have occurred and must never be forgotten.
“I’ve said from the beginning that this was a very serious matter that required action and transparency. Although our administration was not a part of the process and I do not know how the regents arrived at their conclusions, in the weeks ahead, we will be pushing for assurances that the issues outlined in the report will be effectively addressed.
“University leadership still faces the considerable challenge of restoring the trust of students, families, and faculty, and proving that there is and will be accountability for any actions that adversely impact student welfare and the standing of our flagship university. The addition of an oversight board seems to be a positive step, but many will understandably question whether enough has been done to address the serious concerns that exist among many in the College Park community - I am one of them.
“It is incumbent upon the regents, President Loh, and the College Park athletic department leadership to build a stronger athletic program where student athletes are always treated with dignity and respect, and to ensure that UMD remains a world-class academic institution that fosters a safe and supportive environment where all students can achieve their dreams.”
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ReplyDeleteA young athlete collapsed and died; unfortunate and unintended.
Subsequently U of MD launched an extensive investigation. They publicly took responsibility for an inadequate first aid medical response, accepting liability. They also fired the strength coach and provided a generous payout to him. Then they placed the football coach on administrative leave just prior to the beginning of the season, and embarked on an in-depth review of the football and athletic program that lasted several months and cost both time and money.
Yesterday the Board of Regents reinstated him, accompanied by verbiage that all must do better going forward. Today at least a majority of them did a complete reversal and fired the man. They recruited him a few years ago and he appeared to be bringing kids to the program who were staying out of trouble, while winning a few games in a tougher conference.
The brightest, and most cost-efficient, thing to do at this point is to have the regents resign and to shutter the football and basketball programs. The AD should be gone as well. Return to being an academic institution with minor sports.
My kids are Terp grads so I have no animus. I lettered in two sports back in the day. But the adults charged with running these programs in recent years have made terrible decision upon terrible decision, always in search of the biggest, fastest dollar. Time to get re-centered on learning.
The almighty dollar reigns supreme. These big conference sports teams reap so much money and they fund a lot of campus programs. Big bucks from the alum also keeps the sports teams front and center and the mantra is win at almost any cost.
ReplyDeleteJust another example of how not to handle things at UMd. After shutting down the regents let's start with renaming the stadium for Curley Byrd. Disgraceful that he was vilified during the Obama reign of rewriting history.
ReplyDeleteWhy is he saying ANYTHING?? He reminds me of Christie of N.J. Never knew to STFU. Always involving himself in matters he shouldn't.
ReplyDelete