UNC still weeks away from NCAA verdict

Athletic director Dick Baddour, Chancellor Holden Thorp and other representatives from UNC appeared before the NCAA Committee on Infractions in a closed meeting Friday in Indianapolis to discuss the nine major allegations charged against the UNC football program, but it could be several weeks before a verdict is released.

The proceedings of the meeting are kept confidential and according to NCAA.org, it typically takes between six and eight weeks to write the report and announce penalties, although complicating factors could extend that time frame.

Baddour, whose last day as athletic director will be Nov. 13, said he’s just happy the hearing is behind them.

“It was another step in dealing with mistakes that were made and helping the University and athletic communities move forward,” Baddour said in a press release. “I appreciate the opportunity to meet with the NCAA staff and committee and address our case in person. The hearing was conducted fairly, and we were forthright and detailed in our responses.”

In addition to Baddour and Thorp, faculty athletics representative Lissa Broome, associate athletic director for compliance Amy Herman and vice chancellor and general counsel Leslie Strohm represented the University at the hearing. Former associate head football coach John Blake was also in attendance.

On June 21, the NCAA issued UNC a notice of allegations that outlined nine major violations covering a range of issues from improper benefits to inappropriate relationships with agents.

The NCAA alleged that a former tutor for the football program, Jennifer Wiley, had provided both impermissible academic assistance to multiple players and provided $3,500 worth of benefits to student athletes, including parking ticket expenses, an airline ticket and free tutoring.

The NCAA said that Blake was given $31,000 by Pro Tect Management for encouraging players to sign with agent Gary Wichard.

The notice of allegations also noted that seven UNC football players accepted $27,097.38 in benefits from several different individuals.

The NCAA held the University responsible for some of the exchange of impermissible benefits, alleging that UNC failed to properly monitor the program’s relationship with former Tar Heel Chris Hawkins, an individual the NCAA views as an agent.

After receiving the notice of allegations, the University sent its response to the charges on Sept. 19, in which the University instituted a new social media policy alongside strict self-imposed sanctions.

The football team vacated all wins from the 2008 and 2009 seasons and decreased the number of scholarships by nine over a three-year period. The University also issued itself a fine of $50,000.

“We have acknowledged violations and accepted responsibility for making mistakes,” Thorp said in a press release. “We have great respect for the NCAA review process and for the time and effort the committee members put into preparing for (Friday’s) meeting and deliberating about a decision. We look forward to learning the committee’s ruling.”