Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information.
Two student journalists from the University of Maryland faced removal from their positions outside the football program’s training facility after attempting to interview players following the recent firing of head coach Mike Locksley on October 21. The incident was reported on social media by one of the students.
The students, who contribute to SB Nation’s Testudo Times, believed they were in a permissible area since the university is a public institution. An officer who approached them acknowledged their perspective, stating, “I don’t disagree with you.”
Nolan Rogalski, one of the student reporters and managing editor of the outlet, reported that a staff member from Maryland Athletics took a photo of him and his colleague, Jude Wilkenfeld, and that police were summoned due to concerns about “suspicious activity” from the two standing outside the facility.
In a statement to USA TODAY Sports, officials from Maryland Athletics and the University of Maryland Police Department clarified that no formal report was filed after it was determined that the individuals were affiliated with a campus media organization. They emphasized their commitment to respecting the First Amendment rights of journalists operating in public spaces.
“UMPD was contacted today, Oct. 21, 2026, about two individuals who were standing outside of Jones Hill House. Due to heightened concerns for staff and player safety around the football program in recent weeks, there has been increased security around athletics facilities. A UMPD officer approached the two individuals, learned they were with a campus media organization, recorded student IDs, and no report was taken,” the statement explained.
Following the report from USA TODAY Sports, the university announced Locksley’s dismissal after the Terrapins suffered their fifth consecutive loss, a 37-30 defeat against Rutgers. Defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, who was recently promoted to his position by Locksley, will serve as the interim head coach while the university begins its search for a permanent replacement.
During his time at Maryland, Locksley held a record of 39–54, which includes six games as an interim coach in 2015 and a full-time role starting in 2019. His Big Ten record stands at 17-52, and he led the team to three bowl game victories.
Maryland will have a bye week in Week 8 before returning to action against Illinois at noon ET on Saturday, October 31.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Student reporters went looking for answers at Maryland. They got police instead
