Dontay Joyner dismissed from Maryland football became official after coach Mike Locksley confirmed the cornerback’s departure. The decision follows Joyner’s June arrest and July guilty plea in Harford County, Baltimore Chronicle reports.
The Maryland coach said the sides mutually decided that Joyner needed “a fresh start.” Maryland is also helping him explore opportunities elsewhere, according to Testudo Times.
Why Dontay Joyner is leaving Maryland football
Joyner was arrested in Harford County on June 11. Authorities accused him of repeatedly contacting and threatening his girlfriend.
CBS Baltimore reported charges including telephone misuse and electronic communications harassment. Court records also showed Joyner was initially held without bond.
Reports about the case describe several key developments:
- Joyner allegedly made repeated threatening calls and messages.
- Prosecutors said some communications included death threats.
- He later entered a guilty plea in the case.
- He received time served and 3 years of supervised probation.
- A no-contact order was imposed.
WTOP, citing The Banner, reported that Joyner called his girlfriend 92 times within five days. The outlet reported that prosecutors described him as a danger to the victim and community.
Joyner had spent several weeks in custody before his July sentencing. He was released after receiving credit for time already served.
What Mike Locksley said about Dontay Joyner
Locksley confirmed during Maryland’s preseason media activities that Joyner was no longer with the program.
“We both decided mutually that he needs a fresh start,” Locksley said, according to reports covering Maryland’s media day.
The coach also said Maryland was helping Joyner find another place to play. Joyner could therefore continue his college football career outside College Park.
The case can be summarized through several confirmed developments:
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| June 11, 2026 | Joyner was arrested in Harford County |
| June 2026 | Maryland acknowledged the legal situation |
| July 8, 2026 | Joyner was sentenced after his guilty plea |
| July 2026 | He received 3 years of supervised probation |
| August 2026 | Locksley confirmed Joyner would leave Maryland |
The departure creates another personnel question for Maryland’s secondary. Joyner was one of the Terps’ most productive defensive backs during the 2025 season.
What Dontay Joyner’s departure means for Maryland
Joyner earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition after the 2025 season. He recorded 8 pass breakups and 2 interceptions, according to The Diamondback.
Maryland must now replace that experience before the 2026 season. Linebacker Daniel Wingate described Joyner’s departure as a significant loss.
The Terps will instead rely on their remaining defensive backs and younger players. For Locksley, the decision also closes months of uncertainty surrounding Joyner’s status.
Earlier we wrote that Preakness Stakes 2027 Moves to Sunday as Maryland Reshapes Triple Crown Schedule