The University of North Carolina said Thursday it has opened a human resources investigation into general manager Michael Lombardi, who was placed on leave earlier this week, university officials said.
UNC said the Office of University Counsel is investigating “as a result of concerns behind allegations that led to the personnel action regarding Michael Lombardi announced on July 27,” and that there is no timeline for a resolution, the school said.
Coach Bill Belichick declined to directly address the situation at a news conference, saying, “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,” Belichick said.
Athletic director Steve Newmark said the university counsel’s office is conducting a thorough process and the school hopes to complete it “as quickly as possible.” Newmark declined to say whether the probe involves others in the athletic department and would not comment on reports of a separate College Sports Commission inquiry.
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts said he was disappointed the matter was attracting attention and said the focus should be on student-athletes. Lombardi has hired attorney Tom Mars, 247Sports reported, and Mars issued a statement saying Lombardi “hasn’t been told anything about the nature of UNC’s investigation and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name,” and that he is cooperating and expects the probe to be “swift, thorough, and fair.”
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
