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Kevin Anderson’s Leave: What we know

By Wesley Brown

COLLEGE PARK, MD - MAY 6: Athletic Director of University of Maryland Kevin Anderson speaks during announcement of the retirement of basketball coach Gary WIlliams on May 6, 2011 at the Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - MAY 6: Athletic Director of University of Maryland Kevin Anderson speaks during announcement of the retirement of basketball coach Gary WIlliams on May 6, 2011 at the Comcast Center in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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The University of Maryland has released a statement opening up about Kevin Anderson’s absence.

Just before Maryland kicked off against Northwestern, reports that Maryland’s Athletic Director Kevin Anderson had been fired, or placed on leave, flooded social media.

Rumors began to swirl that Anderson was interested in the AD position at California. Some proposed that University President Wallace Loh was upset that Anderson would even consider another position. Anderson began his career as an Assistant AD at California, so it does make sense he would potentially be interested in the position.

Anderson’s situation was finally cleared up, thanks to a letter he sent internally to other executives and head coaches:

"Dear Colleagues, During the past several weeks, I have received a tremendous response from across the nation to the Washington Post article that highlighted my work with our student-athletes through “Kicking it with Kevin.” This experience has led me to consider where I want to focus my energies at this point in my career. To this end, the University of Maryland has granted me the opportunity to remain in my position of Athletic Director while I take a six-month professional development sabbatical to engage in various projects focusing on leadership development, including work with a broad coalition of groups focused on issues of equity, student athlete activism and inclusion in college athletics and working with the NACDA / John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation. I will also continue my personal participation on certain NACDA and NCAA Committees. While on sabbatical, the regular duties of running the department will be performed by an administrator to be selected by President Loh.Please share this news with staff members in your areas.    Sincerely,Kevin AndersonAthletic Director"

Loh submitted this letter in an email to the University of Maryland Foundation Board of Trustees, Alumni Board of Governors, and Terrapin Club Board of Directors. Per Loh’s request, Damon Evans, will fulfill Anderson’s duty during this time of absence. These responsibilities include the duty of Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Athletics.

Anderson was brought to Maryland after serving as the Athletic Director at Army for six years. In his seven years at Maryland, Anderson was key to bringing in Mark Turgeon, Randy Edsall, and now DJ Durkin. Turgeon’s hire has proven to be the most successful, as he has guided Maryland to NCAA Tournament appearances in each of the last three seasons.

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