Report: Maryland Football Culture Flawed, Not 'Toxic'

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An eight-week external investigation into the University of Maryland football program, prompted by the June death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair and commissioned by the UM Board of Regents, took issue with the culture fostered under head coach DJ Durkin, but stopped short of deeming it "toxic," as several players have described it.

Players had characterized a culture of fear and intimidation in the wake of McNair's death due to heat illness, particularly noting the actions of strength and conditioning coach Rick Court, who reportedly "tried to humiliate players in front of their teammates" by "throwing food, weights, and on one occasion a trash can full of vomit." He was also accused of using homophobic slurs. Athletic director Damon Evans announced Aug. 14 that Maryland had parted ways with Court.

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