Prior to UNC head coach Bill Belichick’s press conference at the Kenan Football Center Monday, associate athletic director for football communications Brandon Faber stepped to the podium and said that due to the ongoing investigation of the program, Belichick would not be able to answer any questions on that topic.
Once Belichick took the podium, he offered a brief statement in which he acknowledged the investigation, hoping that would be the end of things.
“I understand the importance of the work that’s being done by the investigative team and our high standard here,” he said. “Our code of conduct, doing things the right way, making sure our student-athletes are given the best treatment, the very best care, the very best coaching, that we can possibly give them. That’s critically important to us.”
He then launched into an exhaustive scouting report of East Tennessee State, Carolina’s upcoming opponent in the home opener at Kenan Stadium this weekend.
The tactic didn’t work.
For nearly the entire question-and-answer of the press conference, media both local and national peppered Belichick with questions related to the resignation of general manager Michael Lombardi and WRAL’s report of sexual relationships and drug use within the program.
How is Steve Belichick, who may or may not have provided at least one player with drugs? “He’s still on medical leave,” Bill said.
Is there a timetable for his return? “No.”
What is the message to concerned fans? “We’re focused on getting off to a good start at home.”
Were you made aware of complaints or allegations? “We’re not allowed to talk about the investigation.”
Do you believe your program has an atmosphere of compliance? “Yeah, totally.”
And on and on. Hardly any time at all was made for questions about East Tennessee State, an FCS opponent which will enter Saturday’s game as heavy underdogs. Nor were there many questions about UNC’s win against TCU in Ireland, which currently stands as the ACC’s only win against a non-conference, Power 4 opponent so far this season.
Have you had any conversations with the chancellor or athletic director about your job security? “I’m focused on ETSU.”
How difficult is it to have your son involved in this investigation? “Look, I love all my kids.”
Belichick also would not provide a timeline on hiring a new general manager to replace Lombardi, nor would he elaborate on hierarchy on the defensive side of the ball with Steve Belichick still absent. Bill Belichick, a defensive coordinator many years ago, took over the brunt of the defensive playcalling duties against TCU, when the Tar Heels held the Horned Frogs scoreless for the game’s final 49 minutes.
In a normal week, UNC would have been held up as an example of an ACC team actually taking care of business in a showcase game on national television. Louisville, Clemson, Georgia Tech and Boston College couldn’t say the same. But Belichick’s Tar Heels have tended to have eventful bye weeks, and the team’s home opener in front of a Kenan Stadium complete with new video and audio technology was relegated to the back burner.
Have you talked to Michael Lombardi at all? “I’ll keep all my private conversations private.”
What are your thoughts on what transpired with Lombardi? “My focus is on getting the team ready to play against East Tennessee.”
Mercifully, Belichick stepped away from the microphone after 20 painfully awkward minutes. That gave the television cameras and national reporters permission to vacate the premises. Tight ends coach Caleb Pickrell, the next scheduled speaker, did not have as full of a house for his comments.
They lasted less than four minutes.
Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group/Michael Koh
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