Police Responded to Reports of 'Suspicious Activity' Involving Student Reporters After Coach Firing
University of Maryland officials stated that heightened security concerns led to police being called on student journalists attempting to cover the dismissal of head football coach Mike Locksley.
The University of Maryland Police Department responded to a call regarding "suspicious activity" involving two student reporters outside the football facility on October 21, 2026, shortly after the athletic department announced the departure of head football coach Mike Locksley. The university described the decision as a "mutual" agreement.
Two student journalists, Nolan Rogalski of SB Nation's Testudo Times and Jude Wilkenfeld, reported that they were standing outside the Jones-Hill House, the football facility, to seek player reactions following Locksley's dismissal. According to Rogalski, a Maryland athletics staff member photographed them before calling the police. Two officers then arrived, identified the students, and asked them to leave.
In a joint statement, the University of Maryland Police Department and Maryland Athletics stated that the call was made due to "heightened concerns for staff and player safety around the football program in recent weeks," leading to increased security. The statement affirmed that a UMPD officer approached the individuals, confirmed they were with a campus media organization, recorded their student IDs, and that no report was filed. The university departments also stated they "respect the First Amendment rights of all journalists reporting in public spaces."
Locksley, who coached the Terrapins for five seasons, was dismissed after the team lost five consecutive games. Defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
This incident occurs amidst a period of scrutiny for the Maryland athletic department regarding its handling of media access and press conferences related to the football program.