A Message From The Athletic Director
8/14/2018 4:13:00 PM | Terrapin Athletics
Dear Terrapin Community,
When I was named Athletic Director in July, my highest priority was to investigate the events surrounding the death of our football student-athlete, Jordan McNair. Although that review is ongoing, preliminary findings from the independent review being conducted by national experts in sports medicine indicate that mistakes were made. The care provided to Jordan was not consistent with best practices, our trainers did not implement appropriately the emergency action plan, and they misdiagnosed the severity of Jordan's initial symptoms.
Based on these preliminary findings, we have taken immediate actions including:
Make no mistake, we will not tolerate any behavior from any employee within our athletic program that is detrimental to the mental or physical well-being of our student-athletes. There is nothing more important to me than our student-athletes' safety.
You will continue to hear from me with updates on our progress. I ask that you keep Jordan's family, friends and teammates in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Damon Evans
Athletic Director
When I was named Athletic Director in July, my highest priority was to investigate the events surrounding the death of our football student-athlete, Jordan McNair. Although that review is ongoing, preliminary findings from the independent review being conducted by national experts in sports medicine indicate that mistakes were made. The care provided to Jordan was not consistent with best practices, our trainers did not implement appropriately the emergency action plan, and they misdiagnosed the severity of Jordan's initial symptoms.
Based on these preliminary findings, we have taken immediate actions including:
- Implemented additional safeguards for all of our athletic practices and training, not just football.
- Added cooling stations and increased student-athlete breaks during practice taking place in the heat.
- Placed members of our athletic training staff on administrative leave.
Make no mistake, we will not tolerate any behavior from any employee within our athletic program that is detrimental to the mental or physical well-being of our student-athletes. There is nothing more important to me than our student-athletes' safety.
You will continue to hear from me with updates on our progress. I ask that you keep Jordan's family, friends and teammates in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Damon Evans
Athletic Director
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