I would like the University, the coaching staff, and every fan to take a step back.  It was a personal argument between two people.  That we know.  If Max had actually punched this girl in the mouth, she would have needed stitches and likely a broken jaw. (We are talking about a top trained athlete here)  None of us know her intent to get him in trouble either.  But here he is. At 23 years old and likely a career on the line,  I'd like to see the whole story first.  Too sketchy at this point. 

NapaDuke wrote:

I would like the University, the coaching staff, and every fan to take a step back.  It was a personal argument between two people.  That we know.  If Max had actually punched this girl in the mouth, she would have needed stitches and likely a broken jaw. (We are talking about a top trained athlete here)  None of us know her intent to get him in trouble either.  But here he is. At 23 years old and likely a career on the line,  I'd like to see the whole story first.  Too sketchy at this point. 

Your evaluation of her potential injuries is significantly more sketchy than the situation at large.

Ugly situation.  The way the situation is described in the article it seems clear there were multiple witnesses.  Her friend in the car and the friends of Max who ran away from the scene with him. He has been charged. That leads me to believe they have credible reports to back up her story.  If this happened the way it was described he needs to be thrown off the team.  Im sure we would not be informed if he was dismissed by the team but a podcast where Dru was interviewed was uploaded this week and he speaks glowingly of Max. Hopefully it was recorded prior to the incident. Dru offers his remarks unsolicited- he could have talked about any player in that question. I really hope we get some answers soon. Any player that punches and chokes a young woman is nobody I want to root for or have in uniform for the Dukes

PhoenixRising2 wrote:

Not downplaying this situation at all.
Since this incident took place over 6 weeks ago, the University and the coaches are fully aware of this situation. Why it got out to the press at this late date is anyone’s guess. As far as I can ascertain, Max is still on the team and enrolled at the University.
This a a misdemeanor assault charge, it will likely be plea bargained down and dismissed before it hits the November court date.
I do hope that Max learns from this situation. He seems to entertain some wild emotional high and low swings; his confidence appears to be fragile. I’m hoping that the steadiness and quiet confidence of Coach Dru rubs off on him.

If there’s any truth to this situation I hope Dru throws him off the team. This is not some 17/18 year old kid.  He’s a 23 year old man who’s been around multiple programs and lived away from home for several years now. I too hope he learns from this, and I’d like to think Dru could help him become a better man - but in his free time.  Not as coach to player. He has a responsibility to the rest of the team, the University, and the fan base.  This cannot be tolerated.

PhoenixRising2 wrote:

Not downplaying this situation at all.
Since this incident took place over 6 weeks ago, the University and the coaches are fully aware of this situation. Why it got out to the press at this late date is anyone’s guess. As far as I can ascertain, Max is still on the team and enrolled at the University.
This a a misdemeanor assault charge, it will likely be plea bargained down and dismissed before it hits the November court date.
I do hope that Max learns from this situation. He seems to entertain some wild emotional high and low swings; his confidence appears to be fragile. I’m hoping that the steadiness and quiet confidence of Coach Dru rubs off on him.

Good post.  If it were really an assault, he would have been gone a month ago. The Pgh press is no fan of DU, and this incident over a month ago is and should be no news? If it were valid, he would have been gone. 
 

Styles1229 wrote:

NapaDuke wrote:

Styles1229 wrote:

If there’s any truth to this situation I hope Dru throws him off the team. This is not some 17/18 year old kid. He’s a 23 year old man who’s been around multiple programs and lived away from home for several years now. I too hope he learns from this, and I’d like to think Dru could help him become a better man - but in his free time. Not as coach to player. He has a responsibility to the rest of the team, the University, and the fan base. This cannot be tolerated.

If there is no truth, you just smeared him?

And if it is true, you just smeared her

So, yes, you know her?  No.   I said everyone take a step back. You didn't. You accused Max. You don't know her, nor their personal argument. you know nothing.
 

My original responds to the article was, take a step back.  Max deserves our open mind.  I have lived and had to defend myself and know if you actually hit a punch to someones face, they will need more than just telling police something and didn't need medical attention.  Also, I have seen women over-state to hurt someone. To which, I said, we don't know enough to judge.  Also, why over a month later, this story was in print. Strange, I like Max. His style on court is not aggressive. He seems layback, yet athletic. He came back to DU. I think he came back for the coaching. We know nothing, really about this mess,  but he is still there. Coach Dru knows more than us. I hope Max is still  on our team.

Last edited by NapaDuke (9/19/2025 2:09 pm)

CLK wrote:

There are always two sides to every story.  We have not heard the other side.  Could it be that she assaulted him and he was just protecting himself?  We don't know. Bottom line is I agree with Napa in that we should just chill and not rush to judgement.  I am confident that Duquesne will do the right thing.

Agree CLK. My 2 cents let the legal system  play out. Coach Dru can then decide the appropriate punishment if any.

I will support whatever the final decision Duquesne makes!
Until then no comment.

All very distressing and not the kind of "pub" that any university needs!
Wait and see but not too thrilled to hear this kind of thing no matter the outcome.