Bill Belichick Defends UNC Program as University Investigation Continues

Bill Belichick said North Carolina's football program remains committed to following rules as the university continues an investigation that has brought significant off-field scrutiny. Speaking Monday at his game-week news conference, Belichick said responsibility for operating properly extends to everyone in the program, including himself, according to reporting carried by The Guardian from the Associated Press.

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The questions followed a turbulent open week for the Tar Heels. General manager Michael Lombardi resigned after previously being placed on paid administrative leave in late July while the university investigated his conduct. Two people familiar with the matter had told the AP that a human-resources complaint from a former employee was connected to Lombardi being put on leave.

Steve Belichick, Bill Belichick's son and North Carolina's defensive coordinator, is on medical leave. The Guardian reported that Raleigh television station WRAL, citing anonymous sources, described questions put to some interviewees and said some concerned Steve Belichick. Attorney Tom Mars also told The Athletic that the university's inquiry had expanded to questions about possible inappropriate relationships that did not involve Lombardi. The precise scope and outcome of the investigation remain unresolved.

Reporters devoted roughly the first 13 minutes of Belichick's 20-minute news conference to matters beyond Saturday's home game against East Tennessee State. Asked whether he had control of the program, the 74-year-old pointed to its daily operation. He also described his working relationship with chancellor Lee Roberts and athletic director Steve Newmark as supportive, while saying the program would make corrections if necessary.

UNC then issued a statement supporting Belichick and the football program through vice chancellor for communications Dean Stoyer. The backing came after a difficult debut season in which North Carolina won four games and suffered five defeats by double-digit margins. An assistant coach was also briefly suspended during that season for violating NCAA rules.

On the field, North Carolina opened the new campaign with a 15-10 victory over TCU in Ireland on August 29. The result reversed some of the sting from a 34-point loss to the Horned Frogs in Belichick's UNC debut. Running back Benjamin Hall said the team was concentrating on internal improvement and would not allow external headlines to affect its work as preparations resumed for East Tennessee State.