ESPN's Scott Van Pelt closed his "SportsCenter" broadcast early Saturday morning with a commentary more personal than most, touching on the controversy swirling around the Maryland football program.
"Attack the story and defend the coach," he said. "It's what I say fans always do when something comes out about their favorite team. Then it's your favorite team — my favorite team, a coach I know and like."
Van Pelt has never tried to hide his devotion to his alma mater but has been publicly reserved regarding the brewing controversy in College Park, stemming from the June death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair and other recent stories that have painted the football program in a negative light.
Van Pelt acknowledged in his commentary that the Maryland athletics department might require major changes but stopped short of calling for anyone's job.
He made clear that he has supported DJ Durkin, the Terrapins head coach currently on administrative leave. He said he took in a practice last season that was intense but, he said, not unusually so.
Van Pelt pointed out that former Maryland players Perry Hills and Roman Braglio have both publicly vouched for Durkin, but "their thoughts have gotten very little traction."
"Perhaps you missed them," he said. "Perhaps given the thoughts on the matter from McNair's father, Marty, you're really not interested. And I understand that."
Bit of vindication
Central Florida was officially listed among college football national champions in the 2018 NCAA record book released this week.
