CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced Thursday that it has completed its investigation into allegations concerning the culture and climate within the Carolina football program.
The inquiry became public in August after former football General Manager Michael Lombardi was placed on administrative leave.
ESPN sources with direct knowledge of the proceedings said the investigation covered a broad range of issues, including questions involving sexual relationships between female staff members and players, as well as drug use within the program.
UNC did not release specific findings or directly link Steve Belichick or Lombardi to the investigation, although both were referenced in the university’s statement Thursday.
A school spokesperson said the investigation found that “certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct.” However, the university added that those actions were “isolated in scope and not a systemic failure.”
Steve Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick, will resign as North Carolina’s defensive coordinator effective Oct. 27 after completing his current medical leave, the university said.
“All necessary corrective actions are now underway and will be overseen by Carolina Athletics and the Office of University Counsel. With these actions, the University considers the investigation to be resolved,” UNC said.
Belichick’s resignation comes two weeks after Lombardi resigned on Sept. 3.
“We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community,” UNC said.
Belichick, 39, served as defensive coordinator under his father at North Carolina last season. He also previously worked with Bill Belichick on the New England Patriots’ staff.
“Unfortunately, there is misinformation and speculation about our own situation, but we believe prioritizing health as the most important thing you can do in this life is invaluable compared to anything else,” his wife, Jen Belichick, said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “We strongly encourage anyone in need of support to utilize their resources in order to achieve the best version of themselves.”
The off-field controversies involving staff members and players have cast a shadow over the Tar Heels’ 2-0 start.
UNC also announced Thursday that freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman has been suspended indefinitely. Chapman was arrested Tuesday night during a traffic stop and accused of carrying a concealed handgun.
“Chapman’s suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflects the University’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student-athletes,” UNC said.
“I think today is a signal that they’ve taken the appropriate action to ensure that these things don’t happen again,” said Devin Duncan, UNC’s student body president.
Duncan said he was confident in the university’s now-completed investigation into the allegations surrounding the football program’s culture and climate.
“We’ve got a great academic and research brand that we’re incredibly proud of, and this is taking away from the really great things that we have going on all across our university,” Duncan said. “It’s got to be dealt with quickly, and in a responsible manner and fashion, which is what I think happened here.”
Josh Markotich, assistant sports editor at The Daily Tar Heel, said the university has faced “headline after headline.”
Markotich said he believes UNC limited its options by making a major financial commitment to Bill Belichick, signing the renowned NFL coach to a five-year, $50 million contract.
“At the end of the day, it’s not just the Carolina football fans and the Carolina students. It’s also just the taxpayers of North Carolina, right? This is what their money is going to,” Markotich said. “They ended up overpaying people that are now not even part of the school, not even two years after they put the sign on the dotted line.”
Despite those off-field penalties… the on-field progress has been clear, as the Tar Heels head to Clemson with renewed confidence and a chance to start the conference schedule on a winning note.
ABC11’s Travon Miles and ESPN contributed.
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