North Carolina coach Bill Belichick made his first public comments on the school’s investigation into the conduct and culture of the football program.
Belichick opened his press conference on Monday by addressing the investigation in a prepared statement. He indicated that the program was cooperating with investigators and would make any recommended changes in order to run the program in the best way possible.
“Understand the importance of the work that’s being done by the investigative team and, obviously, our high standard here, our code of conduct, doing things the right way and making sure that our student-athletes are given the utmost, best treatment, the very best care and very best coaching that we can possibly give them. That’s critically important to us,” Belichick said, via Matthew Glenesk and Rodd Baxley of USA Today. “In the end, we want to run a program in the very best way. If there’s things we need to do to correct it, we’ll obviously do ‘em.”
Questions about the investigation have become more pertinent since GM Michael Lombardi’s resignation last week amid an ongoing investigation into a human resources complaint made against him. No details have been revealed publicly, but local news station WRAL has reported on allegations of drug use and inappropriate sexual relationships within the program.
There have been a few complaints about Tar Heels players on North Carolina’s campus as well. At some point, Belichick may have to answer questions about the culture within his program and his role in enforcing it.
