An independent review of the University of Maryland’s football program stopped short of calling the program’s culture “toxic,” as alleged in multiple media reports, but it did find there was a “culture where problems festered because too many players feared speaking out.”
The Baltimore Sun obtained a copy of the roughly 200-page report, which the University System of Maryland’s governing body has not released.
The football program has been under increased scrutiny since the death of 19-year-old Jordan McNair, who suffered heatstroke during a May 29 practice in College Park. This investigation into the state flagship’s football program — which is being overseen by the Board of Regents — was catalyzed by explosive media reports that described coaches as bullying, demeaning and intimidating certain players.