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Maryland's Board of Regents assumes control of McNair investigation

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Maryland's Board of Regents unanimously voted Friday to take full control of the investigation into the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair.

The board will also assume full control over a commission that was created to investigate the culture of the university's football program.

"Earlier today, the Board of Regents was fully briefed by UMCP President Wallace Loh about the circumstances of Mr. McNair's tragic death, about the actions that have been taken since, and finally about the alarming allegations that have emerged in the last week related to the football program," Maryland's Board of Regents chair James Brady said in a statement.

"After a long and robust discussion, the board voted unanimously to assume responsibility for the investigations into these two separate issues. Our goal is to ensure that all system universities, including UMCP, are actively working to protect the health and safety of every student and to foster a supportive culture in which everyone can flourish."

Maryland called a press conference Tuesday, accepting legal and moral responsibility for McNair's death. The 19-year-old died in June, about two weeks after collapsing at a team workout.

Head coach DJ Durkin was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 11, the day after an ESPN report alleged that the football program had developed a "toxic culture" under his leadership. McNair's parents have called for Durkin's firing and believe he should never be able to coach again.

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