UNC Probe Threatens Bill Belichick's $50 Million Deal as Article 11 Opens Path to For-Cause Firing
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 5
UNC Probe Threatens Bill Belichick's $50 Million Deal as Article 11 Opens Path to For-Cause Firing
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 5
Summary
Bill Belichick could be fired for cause at North Carolina if investigators find he knew of alleged misconduct in the football program and failed to report it.
Article 11(c) of his five-year, $50 million contract allows termination if Belichick or staff he supervised knew of reportable conduct that later triggers material discipline or sanctions.
WRAL reported witnesses were asked whether they had flagged questionable behavior to Belichick, a line of inquiry that could directly support a for-cause case.
The allegations under review reportedly include claims that Steve Belichick used or provided drugs on the job and that recruiting or assistant staff had sexual relationships involving players.
Michael Lombardi resigned Thursday before the report, and the breadth of the outside-law-firm investigation suggests UNC power brokers may be testing whether they can void Belichick's remaining buyout.