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David Hale
Steve Belichick has resigned as North Carolina‘s defensive coordinator amid the conclusion of an internal investigation into the football program’s culture under his father, head coach Bill Belichick.
UNC announced the findings of its investigation Thursday in conjunction with Steve Belichick’s resignation, saying in a statement that the investigation “determined that certain actions demonstrated a disregard for Carolina’s values and standards of conduct.”
“These actions were isolated in scope and not a systemic failure,” the school said in the statement. “… 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.”
According to sources with direct knowledge of the proceedings, the investigation was wide-ranging in scope and included questions about sex between female staff and players as well as drug use within the program.
UNC did not provide specific findings of its investigation, nor did it specifically connect Steve Belichick, 39, or former general manager Michael Lombardi, who resigned earlier this month, to the investigation despite mentioning both in Thursday’s statement.
Lombardi resigned after being put on paid administrative leave in late July in the wake of an internal investigation into a human resources complaint filed by a former UNC front office employee, a source told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The scope of that investigation had widened and included attorneys reaching out to UNC staffers, coaches, and even coaches’ wives and girlfriends, sources told ESPN. Questions were asked of witnesses about Lombardi’s role in hiring and firing decisions regarding female and minority staffers.
Steve Belichick will officially leave the program Oct. 27, following the conclusion of his medical leave, which began Aug. 6.
“We are grateful for our time and our opportunity in Chapel Hill, and we are very proud of our influence on the positive direction of the program,” Jen Belichick, the wife of Steve Belichick, said in a statement. “Our priority will always be to show up with a healthy and strong mind for ourselves and our 5 children. We are humbled by the relationships that have been fostered here in North Carolina and would like to thank each and every person that has positively impacted our experience.
“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 and is invaluable compared to anything else. We strongly encourage anyone in need of support to utilize their resources in order to achieve the best version of themselves.”
Additionally, two UNC football players face charges after a traffic stop Tuesday. Keeyun Chapman was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, while C.J. Sadler was charged with speeding. A police report said that this was Sadler’s third speeding citation in two months and that about 15 grams of marijuana was found in the vehicle.
Chapman has been suspended indefinitely, according to the school, and both players are listed as “out” on North Carolina’s availability report for this week’s game at Clemson.
“Chapman’s suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the University’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes,” the school said in a statement. “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.”
Despite the numerous off-field controversies, North Carolina is 2-0 after opening the season with wins over TCU and East Tennessee State.
