The University of Maryland on Saturday placed its football coach, D.J. Durkin, on administrative leave while it investigates accusations about mistreatment of players that surfaced after offensive lineman Jordan McNair collapsed during a May workout and died weeks later.

The suspension came one day after an article by ESPN detailed a culture of fear and intimidation at Maryland, according to current and former players and staff members, who said coaches and trainers commonly embarrassed and humiliated players. The sources of the accusations were anonymous.

Players’ masculinity was mocked when they were unable to complete a workout or lift a weight, and one player was belittled after passing out, according to ESPN. Coaches forced one player to overeat to the point of vomiting, the article said, and another was forced to eat candy bars while watching teammates working out.

Maryland’s president, Wallace Loh, said such behavior was unacceptable.

“Our responsibility as teachers is to inspire and enable students to perform at their best and expand the boundaries of their potential,” Loh said in a statement.

According to ESPN, the college on Friday placed three others associated with the program on leave: strength and conditioning coach Rick Court, director of athletic training Steve Nordwall, and athletic trainer Wes Robinson.

— New York Times News Service