Board of regents chairman quits in wake of Terp fiasco

BALTIMORE — The chairman of the University System of Maryland board of regents has resigned following the furor over the decision to reinstate football coach DJ Durkin.

The board’s decision to reinstate Durkin on Tuesday drew harsh criticism from students, players and state politicians. As a result, University President Wallace Loh fired Durkin on Wednesday.

On Thursday, board chairman James Brady stepped down from his post.

“In my estimation, my continued presence on the board will inhibit its ability to move Maryland’s higher education agenda forward,” Brady said in a statement. “And I have no interest in serving as a distraction from that important work.”

After reviewing external reports on the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair and the culture of the program, the board decided to reinstate Durkin and retain athletic director Damon Evans.

McNair collapsed on the practice field and died two weeks later of heatstroke. Durkin was put on administrative leave in August and, following the board’s recommendation, returned for one day.

“I understand that reasonable people could come to other conclusions,” Brady said. “And even among our board, some did.”

The backlash from the decision was overwhelming.

“I respect the many people — including elected leaders, members of the public and members of the board — who disagreed with the recommendations a majority of this board ultimately made,” Brady said. “These were difficult decisions, based on information included in reports stemming from two investigations and a great deal of thought and deliberation.”

During the news conference announcing Durkin’s reinstatement, Loh said he would retire in June 2019, a surprise development.

Reacting to Brady’s resignation, Senator Jim Rosapepe (D, College Park) said in a statement: “I’ve known Jim Brady for more than 20 years. He’s a good man who wants the best for our state. He and his colleagues of the USM Board of Regents made a major mistake this week and he recognized it and acted to help correct it.