Things keep going from bad to worse for head coach Bill Belichick and the University of North Carolina.
Reports of a dysfunctional locker room culture, a reported social media ban on anything related to the New England Patriots (and subsequently Tar Heels alum Drake Maye), a canceled Hulu documentary, and secondary coach Armond Hawkins getting suspended for reportedly providing sideline passes to a game for a player’s family — a violation of NCAA rules — has bookmarked a week the university would like to forget.
On top of the Hawkins suspension, it was also reported by WRAL that North Carolina players were also reportedly selling their extra tickets — another NCAA rules violation — which could bring about some form of punishment from the governing body of college athletics, according to 247Sports.
“There are many other violations that have occurred [under Belichick], many on the recruiting front,” 247Sports reported, which could lead to possible punishment for the UNC football program.
Per NCAA rules, any student athlete selling tickets given to them for free is deemed an “extra benefit,” which could affect player eligibility. If any player is deemed ineligible, they can only play again if the NCAA reinstates them.
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Reports also surfaced on Wednesday that North Carolina had begun looking for a way to terminate Belichick amid all of the recent headaches that popped up.
Ollie Connolly of the Guardian reported that UNC and Belichick were discussing buyout options, stating that Belichick was looking to either move onto another coaching job or another gig in sports media.
However, both Belichick and athletic director Bubba Cunningham released statements Wednesday night dispelling any speculation of division.
“I’m fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building here,” Belichick said.
Added Cunningham: “Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and University.”