UNC football investigation: What to know about probe into allegations of drug use, 'sex between players, staff'
UNC football investigation: What to know about probe into allegations of drug use, ‘sex between players, staff’ originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Under Bill Belichick, North Carolina has had a turbulent few years, and that continues with an investigation into two of Belichick’s biggest confidants on his staff.
General manager Michael Lombardi and defensive coordinator Steve Belichick have been away from the team since the middle of the summer, and a new WRAL report says the two are part of a broader investigation into the program. Despite North Carolina’s win over TCU in Week 0, the Tar Heels remain in hot water as the investigation continues.
Lombardi resigned from his position on Thursday, while Steve Belichick remains away from the team. Bill Belichick, meanwhile, marches forward as he coaches his second season in Chapel Hill.
Here’s the latest on the investigation into North Carolina football.
MORE: Why Michael Lombardi resigned from North Carolina
UNC football investigation, explained
WRAL News reports that the North Carolina football program is under investigation for several issues, including improper sexual relaionships and drug use within the football facilities.
The investigation appears to involve Mike Lombardi, who was general manager of the program before resigning on Thursday, and Steve Belichick, the defensive coordinator who is currently on medical leave, among others. The investigation is ongoing and includes broader allegations that stretch beyond Belichick and Lombardi.
Michael Lombardi dismissal
Mike Lombardi resigned from his position as general manager of North Carolina football on Thursday amid the school’s investigation into his conduct.
“I want to thank Chancellor Roberts and Bill Belichick for the opportunity to serve as the GM of UNC Football,” Lombardi said in a statement released through his lawyer. “I have decided it’s best for me to resign my position as GM to allow the team to focus on the ’26 season.”
It’s unclear exactly what Lombardi was being investigated for, but WRAL News reports there are allegations of improper sex and drug use within the program. Additionally, lawyers reportedly asked about Lombardi’s relationships and interactions with the players on the team.
As the general manager of the program, Lombardi is responsible for helping set the culture of the team, and any illegal or improper activities would be a poor reflection on his leadership. Lombardi’s responsibilities included overseeing recruiting, and the recruiting staff is part of who is under investigation.
MORE: Can Bill Belichick cool his hot seat at UNC?
Who else at UNC is being investigated?
Lombardi and Steve Belichick appear to be the main focuses of the investigation, per WRAL. Both Lombardi and Belichick went on leave around the same time, though for what appeared to be separate reasons.
Those are likely not the only two people being investigated, but they are the two biggest names connected to the probe and the only UNC employees named in the report.
MORE: How much would it cost for UNC to fire Bill Belichick?
What questions are lawyers asking about Steve Belichick?
According to WRAL, lawyers have asked members of the North Carolina program about allegations that Steve Belichick used drugs at university facilities. Belichick has been on medical leave for the past month for an undisclosed reason.
Per the report, members of the program were asked not only about Belichick’s alleged drug use, but also whether he provided drugs to at least one player on the team.
Steve Belichick medical leave
Steve Belichick has been on ‘medical leave’ since August 6 for an undisclosed reason, which included missing the team’s opening game against TCU in Ireland last weekend. Bill Belichick acknowledged the leave before the game but said he couldn’t expand on the situation.
“My son Steve is on medical leave,” Belichick said before the game, via The Daily Tar Heel. “We look forward to getting him back as soon as possible. That’s a medical situation, so I really can’t make any further comment on that.”
Steve Belichick’s contract details
Prior to the 2025 season, North Carolina reportedly signed Steve Belichick to a two-year, $2.7 million deal to join the team as its defensive coordinator. According to WRAL, that makes him North Carolina’s highest-paid assistant coach.
What questions are being asked about sex between UNC players, staff?
As part of the investigation, lawyers are also asking about improper sexual relationships within the program. According to WRAL, that includes the possibility of a relationship between a female recruiting staff member and a player, as well as possible improper relationships between assistant coaches and recruiting staff members.
Is Bill Belichick being investigated?
It’s unclear if Bill Belichick is being investigated himself, even though his program is under scrutiny. The WRAL reports currently name just Lombardi and Steve Belichick as the two main individuals under investigation at this time.
