Terps team activities not required since McNair’s death

COLLEGE PARK – Maryland football team activities have not been required since the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair on Wednesday, a university official said Friday.

McNair, 19, a Randallstown resident and McDonogh graduate, died two weeks after the redshirt freshman was hospitalized following a May 29 organized team workout. The official declined to say when activities would resume.

In a news conference Thursday, acting athletic director Damon Evans declined to disclose the cause of death, citing respect for McNair’s family.

“We are all hurting at this time,” Evans said. “His passing was a loss for our football team, our Maryland community and most importantly his loving and supportive family."

By Friday afternoon at the Gossett Football Team House, white votive can- dles had been arranged to spell out out No. 79, McNair’s jersey number, in front of the Testudo sculpture marking the building’s entrance. On both sides of the tribute lay red, white and yellow flowers.

A team spokesman said athletic department staff members and student-athletes gathered Friday afternoon to honor McNair in a moment of reflection. The voluntary observance was held at Maryland Stadium.

“My heart is broken for the reason that we're all sitting here, having this press conference,” Terps coach DJ Durkin said as he choked back tears at Thursday’s news conference. “You look for reasons. It's not reasonable that a 19-year-old should pass away. It's not reasonable that a family, parents — his parents, Marty [McNair] and Tonya [Wilson], should never have to go through this.”