State Lawmakers To Examine Regents' Decision On Maryland Football Program

Lawmakers in Annapolis plan to hold a hearing next month to scrutinize the University System of Maryland's Board of Regents' decisions this week on the Maryland football program.

Del. Maggie McIntosh will chair a House Appropriations Committee hearing on Nov. 15.

“The tragic death of Jordan McNair and the unprecedented and unusual decision making process of the University System of Maryland Regents continues to raise more questions than answers.” Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch said in a statement. “The House of Delegates needs clear answers as to how and why Dr. Wallace Loh is being held accountable while the Head Coach and Athletic Director have been retained by the Regents directly.”

Loh announced Tuesday he plans to retire next June. Reportedly, he felt pressured by regents to retain Durkin or risk his own job.

Politicians from across the state and in Washington have reacted to Tuesday's news with varying degrees of skepticism. Gov. Larry Hogan questioned whether the addition of an independent oversight board for Maryland athletics would be enough to address concerns. State Sen. Jim Rosapepe said regents were wrong to encourage President Wallace Loh to retire, and bowed to the concerns of boosters in insisting head coach D.J. Durkin be kept on.

“The decision and announcement by the Board of Regents sends the wrong message about our priorities," McIntosh said. "Athletics over academics is a phrase we are hearing today from our constituents. That is why the Appropriations Committee feels we must exercise our oversight.”