North Carolina’s football program is dealing with a serious off-field mess just as the season gets rolling, and the fallout reached a new level on Thursday when general manager Michael Lombardi resigned.
Hours after that move, WRAL reported that the investigation tied to Lombardi’s exit is looking into allegations that go well beyond routine program issues. According to the report, lawyers hired to handle the probe are asking questions about alleged sexual misconduct and drug use involving key staff members.
“Lawyers hired to conduct the investigation are also questioning people about whether defensive coordinator Steve Belichick used drugs on the job or provided drugs to at least one player - and, separately, about whether a member of UNC’s recruiting staff had a sexual relationship with a player, people familiar with the investigation told WRAL. The lawyers also asked about possible sexual relationships between assistant coaches and recruiting staff, the people said.” WRAL reported.
The timing only adds to the tension. UNC had just picked up a major Week 0 win to open the season, but that on-field momentum is now shadowed by an investigation that could carry bigger consequences.
There has also been speculation that the school’s push here was aimed at getting out from under Lombardi’s contract without paying the buyout. But that buyout is only $1.5 million, a figure that is relatively manageable for a Division I program.
Lombardi’s attorney, Tom Mars, pushed back on the idea that this is simply about cause.
“If UNC had grounds to fire Michael for cause, they wouldn’t need to conduct such a far-ranging, lengthy witch hunt. They would have done so by now.
I think the motive behind the investigation goes further than a $1.5 million buyout. After all, UNC could fire Michael (or the athletic director of any head coach) for no reason at all just by paying their buyout.
In today’s world, $1.5 million is just a drop in the bucket, so there must be other reasons behind this multimillion-dollar investigation.” Mars told The Athletic.
The situation could ultimately circle back to head coach Bill Belichick. WRAL reported that, under Belichick’s contract, he is responsible for the conduct of his staff, his players and the activity around the program. That would include his son, Steve Belichick, who is reportedly being examined in connection with alleged illegal drug use.
For now, nothing has been concluded. The WRAL report is based on information gathered as the investigation continues, and there have been no final findings.
Even so, this is clearly a story to watch closely as Belichick moves through his second season at UNC.
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