The North Carolina Tar Heels began preparation for Week 2, just over a week after they beat TCU to open up the 2026 campaign. The win helped the program get off to a good start in the second year of the Bill Belichick era, which was much needed. So everything is good, right?
Wrong.
When Belichick took the podium on Monday to preview the game against East Tennessee State, the first 10 or so minutes featured questions directed at the pending investigation going on as well as Michael Lombardi's resignation from last week. Belichick insisted that the program is being compliant with the investigation and defended the program.
“I understand the importance of the work that’s being done by the investigative team,” Belichick said on Monday afternoon. “And
obviously our high standard here, our code of conduct, and doing things the right way, and making sure that our student athletes are given the utmost, best treatment, the very best care, and the very best coaching that we can possibly give them — that’s critically important to us.”
On Friday, WRAL put out a report that the investigation was still ongoing but in a new direction, and mentioned Belichick's son Steve, who has been away from the team since August 6th on medical leave. But Belichick and the university wouldn't comment on that investigation, as it's still ongoing.
Before the presser, a spokesperson released a statement about what Belichick can answer.
"Before the coach begins, I just want to acknowledge the university's ongoing investigation," the spokesman said. "Because it remains active, Coach Belichick, student-athletes, and other university employees will not discuss the situation in any manner. That is necessary to protect the integrity of the process and the rights of everyone involved."
The Tar Heels remain sure they are compliant with what's going on and until it's all over. While the focus should be on football, the possible black eye around the program is still there, for now.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Bill Belichick says UNC program is compliant with investigation
