As fall camp begins for the University of North Carolina football team, questions surrounding general manager Michael Lombardi have taken center stage. UNC officials have confirmed that Lombardi has been placed on leave pending an investigation, with the probe formally starting this week.
Investigation Details
Details of the investigation remain sparse, and head coach Bill Belichick has declined to directly address the situation. During a news conference, Belichick stated, ‘We’re working through some things… We’re at a particular time of the year now where there are certain things that are in play, and certain things that are in play that will happen later in the calendar year. So we’re taking it day to day and work through the things that are on the table right now.’
UNC issued a statement saying that ‘as a result of concerns behind allegations that led to the personnel action regarding Michael Lombardi announced on July 27, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, through its Office of University Counsel, is in the process of investigating this matter.’ The investigation is being treated as a human resources matter, with no timeline set for a resolution.
Reaction from UNC Officials
Athletic director Steve Newmark acknowledged the need for a thorough process but added that the school hopes to complete it ‘as quickly as possible.’ Newmark did not say whether the probe involved anyone else in the athletic department and declined to comment on reports of a separate College Sports Commission investigation into the Tar Heels’ football program.
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts expressed frustration with the attention surrounding the issue, stating, ‘I’m disappointed that we’re talking about this… We should be focusing on our student-athletes and on their success… It’s distressing to me and everyone else in the administration entrusted with leadership at this remarkable university that this is something we have to spend time on.’
Lombardi has hired attorney Tom Mars, who released a statement saying, ‘Michael hasn’t been told anything about the nature of UNC’s investigation and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name, which has already been sullied by baseless statements and innuendo on social media… He is fully cooperating with UNC and expects the investigation will be swift, thorough, and fair.’
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
