UNC football’s off-field situation took a sharp turn Thursday when general manager Michael Lombardi resigned, and a subsequent report suggested the school’s internal investigation is digging into far more serious issues than a routine personnel matter.
WRAL reported that the probe tied to Lombardi’s exit includes allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use involving people in key roles around the program. According to the report, lawyers hired to conduct the investigation are asking questions about whether defensive coordinator Steve Belichick used drugs on the job or provided drugs to at least one player. WRAL also reported they are looking into whether a member of UNC’s recruiting staff had a sexual relationship with a player, and whether there may have been sexual relationships between assistant coaches and recruiting staff.
The timing only adds to the unease. UNC had just opened its season with a major Week 0 victory before the off-field news broke.
There has also been speculation that the school may have wanted a way out of Lombardi’s deal without paying his buyout. But that buyout is only $1.5 million, which is relatively modest by Division I standards.
Lombardi’s attorney, Tom Mars, pushed back on the idea that this is simply about trying to find cause to move on from his client. He told The Athletic, “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.”
The situation could also have direct implications for head coach Bill Belichick. WRAL reported that Belichick’s contract makes him responsible for the conduct of his staff, his players and the activities around the program. That would include Steve Belichick, who is reportedly among those under scrutiny for alleged illegal drug use.
For now, there are no conclusive findings. The report is based on information uncovered by WRAL while the investigation continues. But with Lombardi out and the inquiry widening, this is clearly a storyline UNC will have to deal with as Belichick moves through his second season in Chapel Hill.
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