UNC Keeps $1.5 Million GM Michael Lombardi on Leave as Lawyer Denounces 2-Month Probe
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 29
UNC Keeps $1.5 Million GM Michael Lombardi on Leave as Lawyer Denounces 2-Month Probe
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 29
Summary
North Carolina opened its season with a win over TCU in Ireland while football GM Michael Lombardi remained on administrative leave, with the school’s HR investigation stretching into a second month.
Tom Mars, the lawyer Lombardi hired, called the inquiry a “witch hunt,” arguing UNC would already have fired him if it had cause and saying his client has been fully compliant.
30 days is the handbook guideline for administrative leave, though UNC can extend it for the duration of an investigation; Mars said Lombardi was not shown evidence of wrongdoing or asked questions focused on his own conduct.
ESPN reported staffing rifts and perceived NCAA issues Friday, and The Athletic said the College Sports Commission is separately examining the program, with Lombardi’s role drawing interest.
Bill Belichick has offered little beyond saying the program is taking matters day by day, and the longer the probe runs, the less certain Lombardi’s return appears.