COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) - Maryland athletic director Debbie Yow affirmed her support for men's basketball coach Gary Williams on Monday, expressing optimism for this season and stressing that his job is secure.
The Terrapins are 14-7 this season and 3-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but Williams has been criticized for letting the program sink since Maryland won the NCAA championship in 2002. The coach, in his 20th season with the Terrapins, has been forced over the past couple of weeks to defend his recruiting and determination to win.
Yow has not commented on the situation in the aftermath of the death of her sister, North Carolina State women's basketball coach Kay Yow, who died last month of cancer. The funeral was Saturday.
Speaking to reporters, Yow said Monday, "I really want to lay to rest these crazy rumors that are floating around related to the job security of Coach Williams. He has my full support, as he does from the department and from the university.
