Redlands (D-III - CA) head coach Mike Maynard has been reinstated by the school following an investigation that had placed him on administrative leave.
Back in June, right around the time of national protests following the death of George Floyd, Maynard was put on leave after a post by him on social caused "distress in our community," athletic director Jeff Martinez shared at the time. The comment made was "What kind of bomb? I want one of those?"
University president Ralph Kuncl shared the following statement (via Redlands Daily Facts) on the decision behind the reinstatement.
“I recognize that the social media post associated with Maynard’s U of R Twitter account on June 3 has stirred a wide range of emotions among our University community and beyond. I have received hundreds of long, detailed, and heartfelt messages about the value of Coach Maynard’s mentorship from generations of players, as well as a dozen impassioned letters demanding Coach Maynard’s immediate termination from persons who do not know him. In addition, thousands of people signed petitions immediately after the event and before facts were known, both as a statement of support for Coach Maynard (more than 3,100 signatures) and as a call in opposition (more than 1,400 signatures).
“The review of facts has shown the nine-word inadvertent tweet was not about race or athletics or violence. It was an ironic post that was a mistake, with no evidence whatsoever of hostile or unjust intentions and no abuse of University systems or values.
“I’ve been cleared of any wrongdoing and have been reinstated,” Maynard shared with Redlands Daily Facts. “I’m grateful for the fair process and for all of the Bulldog nation that supported me, and I’m looking forward to getting back to Bulldogs football.”
Maynard has over three decades of experience with the Redlands program and holds a career record of 206-91-1 with the team. The program went 9-2 last season and lost to Mary Hardin-Baylor (D-III - TX) in the first round of the D-III playoffs.
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