UMD President Apologizes To Family Of Football Player Who Died

COLLEGE PARK, MD -- The University of Maryland accepts the "legal and moral responsibility" of the death of a 19-year-old school football player last spring -- that's what the university's president is saying after apologizing the teen's family, according to reports.

Multiple news reports indicate that President Wallace Loh called a news conference Tuesday, at which he said he had ordered an independent commission to review the practices and culture of the Maryland Terrapins football team after reports surfaced that the coaching staff led by coach DJ Durkin may have fostered a climate of bullying.

Jordan McNair, 19, was hospitalized on May 29 after a team workout and died on June 13. Loh reportedly said that a team of experts have determined he didn't receive proper treatment for heat stroke from team trainers before being taken to the hospital.

A final report on McNair's death is anticipated on Sept. 15. Loh said he met with McNair's family to apologize.

“As a father, there are no words to Jordan’s parents that are good enough,” Maryland Athletic Director Damon Evans said at the press conference, according to a WTOP report. “I have looked into the eyes of a grieving mother and father and there is simply nothing good enough. We will honor Jordan’s life, and we will ensure that a tragedy such as this never happens on our campus again.”

A four-person commission will examine allegations of bullying in the football program. Durkin, who has been head coach for two years, has been placed on administrative leave.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan called the reports about Durkin "troubling" in a statement.

"In light of deeply troubling reports about the University of Maryland football program's training practices and general culture, I support the university's decision to suspend Coach DJ Durkin, and expect that the investigation into the program will be wide-ranging and thorough," the statement reads. "We must have complete confidence that our student athletes are treated with dignity and respect and that they are supervised and coached responsibly. If the investigation confirms these reports, then strong and permanent corrective actions should be taken immediately."

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)