USM Board of Regents to take control of both Maryland football investigations

The University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents voted unanimously Friday to assume authority and control over both investigations into Maryland football, it announced in a statement.

This comes after a special four-hour closed meeting that was believed by many to be centered on the futures of university president Wallace Loh, athletic director Damon Evans and/or head football coach DJ Durkin.

The day after offensive lineman Jordan McNair died, Maryland announced an external review of the football program’s “procedures and protocols involving student-athlete health and safety.” That investigation is being conducted by Walters, Inc., and findings are expected by Sept. 15. At a press conference Tuesday, Loh announced that a four-person panel will investigate the culture of the football program after ESPN reports of chronic verbal abuse and more among the coaching staff.

The board also asked the Office of the Attorney General to represent Maryland and USM on “any and all legal claims” related to McNair’s death.

Loh, who reportedly participated in the conference call, released the following statement:

“We welcome the oversight of the Board of Regents at this critical time. We must thoroughly investigate the death of student-athlete Jordan McNair and understand the allegations of the culture of our football program so that we can ensure the health and well-being of every one of our student-athletes. We will continue to honor Jordan’s life, and we will work with our Board of Regents to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again.”

This is likely not the final development to come from this meeting. We will have updates as more information becomes available.