Two Maryland football players spoke with Washington TV station WUSA9 about the culture of the Maryland football program — a topic that is also the core of one of two investigations the University System of Maryland is now leading.
Defensive lineman Oseh Saine confirmed certain aspects of an ESPN report that alleged a culture of intimidation and humiliation created by head coach DJ Durkin and members of his coaching staff.
"Yeah, I mean, that happens," Saine said when asked by WUSA about coaches verbally belittling players, though it should be noted Saine may have been implying it happens throughout football.
More definitively, Saine confirmed a detail from the ESPN report, saying he saw a player who was forced to eat candy bars while watching his teammates work out as a humiliating form of punishment.
"That did happen," Saine said.
"I believe in their minds it was their way of motivating him to work towards the right direction. Maybe they were a little excessive in that area."
Punter Wade Lees, the other player interviewed by WUSA, was adamant that Maryland does not have a culture problem, and said views expressed supporting that claim are in the minority.
"I think it could be disgruntled, they could have reasons to not be happy with the program whether it's — I got no idea — it could be playing time, it could be because they've had beef with coaches," Lees said.
"Just because there's two or three current players and there's past players, there's probably seven total out of 150 pretty much speaking for the whole consensus of the program, which is absolutely fabricated and false."
Saine also was asked about the intensity of workouts, specifically if anyone had passed out during or after workouts.
"We've had some tough workouts over the years, I've seen some guys go down," Saine said.
It was clarified that these were different incidents from the Jordan McNair situation. McNair died in June after suffering heatstroke during a May workout where he did not immediately receive the proper medical treatment. The university accepted "legal and moral responsibility" earlier this week.
More: DJ Durkin should be next to go as Maryland investigates death of Jordan McNair
More: Who is Maryland interim coach Matt Canada and why did he leave LSU?
Both players remained supportive of their coach, who is on leave.
"I like the guy, I think he's a great coach, but I understand there's a process to be taken," Saine said.
"I just hope his name and reputation doesn't get tarnished out of all this because he doesn't deserve any of the things people are saying about him."
Lees was stronger in his defense of his coach.
"These accusations are false, so I really hope that Coach Durkin does come back and coach us because he deserves too," Lees said.
"He's laid the foundation, he's done all the hard work to get us to where we are, and we're so close to succeeding."
WUSA9 is a TEGNA property.
Read Again Brow https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2018/08/18/maryland-football-players-oseh-saine-wade-lees-team-culture/1028998002/Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Maryland football players discuss team's culture, defend coach DJ Durkin"
Post a Comment