Maryland tight ends coach Kevin Sumlin is not currently with the team following his DUI arrest over the weekend, per head coach Mike Locksley.
“We’re aware of the charges. It’s disappointing,” Locksley said during Tuesday’s press conference. “As coaches, we have to set the example and model the behavior that we want [for] our players. And we take it very seriously. At the same time, I will also say he’s part of our football family and we’re going to support Kevin [Sumlin]. To me, it’s a personnel issue that we’ll let the personnel and our, kind of what we’ve done in the past kind of dictate how things play out.”
When asked if Sumlin was expected back this season, Locksley said “it’s a personnel decision. We’ve handled these situations athletically in the past and I think that we’ll follow those same suits. But by [it] being a personnel matter, not going to get into the weeds with it.”
Locksley later said, “if you look at the track record of what we’ve done in the past, you can probably have an idea of what will take place.” Former Maryland basketball assistant Dalonte Hill was dismissed after being charged with driving under the influence back in 2013.
Sumlin was arrested and charged with driving under the influence on Saturday morning, according to a Hillsborough County police report. Sumlin refused a breathalyzer test and pled not guilty after being arrested shortly after midnight. The charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison.
A police record request noted that “the affiant detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the defendant’s breath, observed his eyes to be red and watery, his movements to be slow and lethargic, him to fumble around the vehicle, and his balance to be unsteady.”
“Maryland Athletics is aware of the incident this past weekend involving football coach Kevin Sumlin,” a team spokesperson said in a statement. “As this is an ongoing investigation, we will have no further comment.”
Sumlin was hired as co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach back in February following head coaching stints at both Arizona and Texas A&M.
Jahmir Young named to Bob Cousy Award Watch List
Maryland opens as comfortable favorites vs. Northwestern following bye
Where Maryland lands in bowl projections heading into week nine
Versatile ’25 athlete eyeing visit to Maryland next month (+)