In an announcement made Thursday,  James T. Brady decided to step down from his role as Chair of the University System of Maryland board of regents.

Chair of Maryland board James Brady Resigns

Brady’s resignation comes days after the Maryland board of regents voted to reinstate head coach Dj Durkin. In his statement, Brady said he respected the many people who disagreed with the board’s recommendations.

“They were difficult decisions, based on information included in reports stemming from two investigations and a great deal of thought and deliberation. I understand that reasonable people could come to other conclusions,” he said. “And even among our board, some did.”

“Going forward … I believe the board needs to be able to return to the important business of supporting and advancing Maryland’s public university system, for the benefit of its students and families, and of people across the state.”

“In recent days, I have become the public face of both the board and its decisions related to these matters. In my estimation, my continued presence on the board will inhibit its ability to move Maryland’s higher education agenda forward. And I have no interest in serving as a distraction from that important work.”

“Accordingly, I will step down from the Board of Regents immediately.”

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After Brady’s announcement, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s office issued a statement that read: “Governor Hogan thanks Mr. Brady for his service on the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, as well as his many years of distinguished public service under three governors of both parties. The governor believes that the university system must move forward in an open and transparent manner to restore public trust in Maryland’s flagship university.”

Hogan appointed Brady, 78, and the majority of the 17 board members, and had a close relationship with him.

Reports of a “toxic culture” of intimidation and abuse surfaced from the Terrapins locker room after the death offensive lineman Jordan McNair on June 13 from a heatstroke at a team conditioning workout.

The UM opened two investigations, one into the reports of “toxic culture” and another surrounding the events that led up to the death of McNair. Three days later the board assumed control of both investigations and Durkin was placed on paid administrative leave.

Last week, the board’s investigation concluded that Maryland’s athletic department was neglected by president Wallace Loh and athletic director Damon Evans, and that coach Durkin operated essentially unsupervised. The board reinstated Durkin on Tuesday along with athletic director Evans and announced that Loh would retire after the end of the 2018–19 academic year.

Durkin’s reinstatement came in over the objection of Maryland president Loh.

The board of regents announced in a statement that its investigations would be open for review.

Article by Dewayne Goforth