I'm not going to pretend I have first-hand knowledge of the investigation into what certainly reads like a toxic environment engulfing the University of Maryland football program. I'm not going to act like I'm fully aware of which links were the most faulty in a chain of command that ultimately couldn't keep 19 year old Jordan McNair from tragically suffering a certain death. That's partially because it would be irresponsible of me to assume I know everything that factored in to the decision to reinstate DJ Durkin, but it's mostly because people far more in tune with what took place at College Park on that fateful summer day have indirectly told me all I need to know in determining that it wasn't just a wrong decision, but an inexplicable one...
We're not just talking about the chaotic culture of college football prioritizing winning while proving counterproductive in shaping the morals of boys instead of turning them into men. Sadly, thanks in large part to Urban Meyer, that conversation is hardly even worth the wasted breath at this point. Rather, we're talking about a fatal culture in college football ignoring losing while proving deaf to the existing morals of boys that are already bigger men than the person that's somehow still entrusted with their safety. Simply put, no matter the motivation, it makes no sense to keep DJ Durkin. Whether it be winning on the field, winning on the recruiting trail, or winning in the game of life, Maryland just actively chose to remain losers and they did it all to retain a Head Coach whose team has inarguably been better in his absence. Put aside his negligence leading to more teenage deaths than his supervision has led to encouraging seasons, because - regardless of the ethical implications - he's undoubtedly lost trust amongst the Terrapins' mediocre present and the ear of what could have the Terrapins' brighter future. There should be no coming back from having a kid die on your watch, and - though it shouldn't matter - that's especially true when your timepiece is both ineffective and easily replaceable. Never mind finding a good reason to reinstate to DJ Durkin, because - judging by the reaction of those who should matter a hell of a lot more than he does - the University of Maryland (whose Board of Regents apparently understands the fatality of death about as well as a classroom of 3 year olds) would be hard pressed to come up with a bad one that doesn't have a dollar sign attached.
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