A weekly press conference nobody was there for the football
Bill Belichick took his usual Monday slot. The football part lasted about as long as it needed to. This was his first time in front of reporters since Michael Lombardi, North Carolina’s football general manager, resigned last week.
He gave very little away. His staff, he said, were keeping players accountable.
Lombardi stepped down after a former university employee filed a complaint against him through human resources. ESPN reported he had been on paid leave since that complaint was submitted in July. Days after the story broke, Steve Belichick, the Tar Heels defensive coordinator and Bill’s son, was placed on medical leave.
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What the local reporting alleges, and what has been confirmed
WRAL News in Raleigh reported last week that Steve Belichick was under investigation over alleged drug use at work, and that a separate inquiry concerned alleged drug supply to at least one player. The same report said investigators were also examining possible improper relationships involving recruiting staff, players and assistant coaches. All of that comes from WRAL. The university has confirmed none of it publicly.
“I understand the importance of the work being done by the investigative team,” Belichick said Monday. “Obviously, our high standard here, our code of conduct, doing things the right way, making sure our student-athletes are getting the best treatment, the best care and the best coaching possible. That’s absolutely essential for us.”
One word on whether the culture needs fixing
Asked directly if the program required a culture shift, he did not soften it.
“No. I have an ongoing relationship and communication with the university, and they’ve been very supportive. A great working relationship with those people,” he said. “At the end of the day, we want to run the program the best way we can. And if there are things that need to be fixed, we’ll obviously fix them.”
The football, meanwhile, is going fine. North Carolina are 1-0 after knocking off TCU 15-10 in Dublin on August 29. East Tennessee State visit on Saturday. Belichick’s first year in charge finished 4-8.
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