Death of Maryland football player Jordan McNair reminder to commit to protecting athletes, KU athletic training expert says


LAWRENCE — The University of Maryland has placed head football coach DJ Durkin and strength and conditioning coach Rick Court on administrative leave while investigating the heatstroke death of 19-year-old player Jordan McNair. McNair died two weeks after collapsing during conditioning drills, and accusations of an abusive program and dangerous training methods have been made in the days since.

Athletic training, heatstroke and player deaths make news nearly every year, but the situation at Maryland has drawn increased scrutiny. Dawn Emerson, assistant professor of health, sport & exercise science at the University of Kansas, is available to discuss the situation with media as well the importance of hydration in athletics, safe training and conditioning, and related topics.

“The situation surrounding the death of Jordan McNair is sad and disheartening. Exertional heatstroke deaths are completely preventable when the well-established standards of care for preventing, identifying and managing the condition are implemented appropriately,” Emerson said. “This is a reminder for athletic trainers, coaches, administrators and any other institution personnel to re-evaluate their policies and commitment to protect our student-athletes.”

Emerson has published research on the role anti-inflammatory drugs play on hydration during exercise, hydration in hockey players and related topics. She can discuss physical training, athlete safety, dangers of heatstroke, athlete deaths, college football culture and more. She is director of KU’s Athletic Training Program and a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association as well as the American College of Sports Medicine.

To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu.

Mon, 08/13/2018

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Mike Krings

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