Thursday, UNC Football Defensive Coordinator Steve Belichick resigned. He is the son of Head Coach Bill Belichick. This announcement comes just as the university completed an investigation of the football program. UNC has released little information on what exactly they were investigating, but WRAL says it included accusations of drug use and improper sexual relationships involving coaches, players, and recruiting staff.
Steve Belichick was the second person to resign since the investigation began. The first was General Manager Michael Lombardi, who resigned September 3. Lombardi came to UNC along with Belichick last year, and the two worked closely together. But WRAL reporter Pat Welter says Lombardi had a big effect on the team’s culture.
“It’s my understanding speaking to sources that he had influence over playing time,” Welter said. “There was a perception that players that were getting playing time were getting favoritism if they were Lombardi’s guys, guys that he brought in. Him being out of the picture now could be a net positive for UNC”
In a statement Thursday announcing the conclusion of the investigation, UNC said the problems in the football program were isolated and not a systemic failure. It said that “The university considers the investigation to be resolved” and will make no further comment.
To understand how athletic departments navigate these high-stakes investigations, we are joined by Jamel Donnor. He is a professor of education at the College of William & Mary and co-editor of the book Scandals in College Sports.
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