Donors set deadline for Thorp records request

North Carolina

Donors set deadline for Thorp records request

By Aaron Schoonmaker

Sep 16, 2011

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Chapel Hill, N.C. — A public records request filed by a group of donors to the University of North Carolina seeking correspondence between Chancellor Holden Thorp and various people close to the decision to fire head football coach Butch Davis, has gone unfulfilled more than a month later.

The initial request was filed Aug. 8 by a group of donors that signed on to help fund an upgrade to the UNC's Kenan Stadium. Many of the donors to the "Blue Zone" upgrade say they committed to the project with the assurance that Davis would remain head football coach.

Don Brown, one of five attorneys for the investors, says the group is citing possible fraud, alleging that Thorp waited to terminate Davis until after the donations were secured.

Brown was the representing attorney that drafted Friday's letter that further requested the emails, text messages and cell phone records be released.

The letter reads in part: "We know the request was received, not only because we have a facsimile confirmation receipt, but because the University acknowledged in response to media requests that it had been received, and also because you apparently acknowledged to WRAL television, while at an NCAA meeting in Indianapolis, that you received the request and that you would comply with it.."

The follow-up letter delivered Friday from the attorney's representing the group gave Thorp one week to respond to the request before further legal action is pursued.

The letter continued, "While we are certainly prepared to be reasonable, and to a degree patient with regard to a timeframe for responses, we are very disappointed that not only have we received no documents as requested, but to date, we have not even received a response."

North Carolina state law does not require a specific date of delivery of requested public record, but does demand the delivery be "as promptly as possible."

The attorneys, Brown, Matthew J. Dixon, J. Scott Hampton, Mark A. Johnson and Ray Smith III are all UNC alumni. They said they will make a determination on whether or not to follow through on the lawsuit after going over the requested information. Brown added that they are doing the work pro bono.

Chancellor Thorp said during a press conference on July 28 that it was his decision to fire Davis despite no new evidence that linked the former coach to an ongoing NCAA investigation into the football program. The investigation involves academic improprieties and agent relationships among accusations.

Since the firing, there has been much discussion over the relationship between RAMS Club members who donated to the newly constructed Blue Zone and have asked to be released from their membership. In August, Kenneth Plusnick made multiple attempts to cancel his membership but was deferred and he was told they would get back to him.

Everett Withers was named the interim head coach a week before the start of fall practice and has led the Tar Heels to a 2-0 start.

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RE: Donors set deadline for Thorp records request

Someone needs more fiber in their diet...

Seriously? That's it? That's all you've got? That's your rebuttal? Hey , I can't tell anyone how or what to post but that's awful. More to the point , it attacks the poster NOT the post. It's also diversionary , has bupkiss to do with the scandal that SMUNC is currently mired in and , worst of all , it just ain't funny. Geez Louise , if you're gonna take the time to type a brief snarky reply at least make me laugh. Look , the ONLY comedy goin' on right now is at UNcLV. It's a hoot an' a half too. Got any opinions on it or are ya just gonna continue with the " I-really-have-no-defense-whatsoever-for-the-corruption-being- committed-at-unx-and-I'm embarrassed-by-it-all-anyway-so-I'll-simply-entertain- myself-by-posting-quick-snide-unfunny-self-satisfying-comments-at-those-who-upset-my-fairy-tale-vision-of-the-carolina-way " responses? Rome is burning , Nero. Put down the fiddle. Please don't tell us you're dropping music for stand-up , though. However , if ya REALLY got yer heart set on it, I know a school that can supply ya with a wealth of comedic material. Need a link?

RE: Donors set deadline for Thorp records request

Probably a bit more of a headache than "The Thorpster" had expected. Arrogance always underestimates the ultimate impact of their reckless decisions.

RE: Donors set deadline for Thorp records request

You are correct, fzero, that's why I added the addendum...(apparently edits are not allowed on these stories. WRAL's problem, not mine).

Are there schools in JC? If there are, kindergarTen is probably the pinnacle of not only your's, but many an NC State fans educational success. (Notice the correct spelling in bold type.

Thank you and goodnight.
- Posted by TarheelTurtle

Oh that's right. Where was your update again? And I will apologize to zee Germans for misspelling their word. I spelled it kindergarden. I have disgraced zee furher. Whatever shall I do? Seriously brah......eat a steaming bowl of you know what. Your argument holds jack .... and you know it. U mad bro?
- Posted by fzero

WOW! Someone was up late (or early). Whassa matter? All the ugly gals @ Pure Gold turned you down, so now you're home alone, internet trolling? I have no argument with you, doughnuthole. You would need to have a point (I'll even give you an invalid one at this juncture) in order to make an argument. I know it's fun to hit yourself in the head while you're discussing the merits of Jergens v. Vaseline in the mirror, but you're not so good with socialization...that must be why you constantly use the terms "brah", "bro" and other similarly outdated (were they ever "in?") words in an attempt to convey said "point". Really, I enjoy it. Most of us haven't heard those words since Starsky and Hutch came out.(The television show, not the movie).

As for steaming? Yes, thank you, I'm enjoying a nice plate of eggs benedict with a mimosa before shopping, tailgating, and gametime with family and friends. Oh, one more thing, my mental midget friend...While I do wear a bra, I'm not a "brah". ;)

RE: Donors set deadline for Thorp records request

You are correct, fzero, that's why I added the addendum...(apparently edits are not allowed on these stories. WRAL's problem, not mine).

Are there schools in JC? If there are, kindergarTen is probably the pinnacle of not only your's, but many an NC State fans educational success. (Notice the correct spelling in bold type.

Thank you and goodnight.
- Posted by TarheelTurtle

Oh that's right. Where was your update again? And I will apologize to zee Germans for misspelling their word. I spelled it kindergarden. I have disgraced zee furher. Whatever shall I do? Seriously brah......eat a steaming bowl of you know what. Your argument holds jack .... and you know it. U mad bro?

RE: Donors set deadline for Thorp records request

Any chance this same group of SMUNC attorneys go after Butch's 216 records with the same fervor? Pro bono , at that? How 'bout the adults? Any of THOSE at UNcLV? Thorp , while far from blameless , wanted Davis gone because he's an academician who happens to be a fan of the basketball program. His input was neither required nor sought in Davis' hiring. By the time he realized what everybody else NOT wearing light-blue truth-blockers already knew , it was too late to can the corrupt liar without support. The unx BOT turned over and Holden made his move. Simple as that. For all his faults , Thorp knows a crook when he sees one...even if it took 'im a little longer than most. The guy had zero knowledge of the lowlife his school was getting because the football fanatics never told 'im. Those cretins have no problem looking the other way and defending Davis at all costs. The NCAA has crawled that program , unx awaits the hammer , players/coaches/tutors/drug mules/professors have brought shame and embarrassment to the school and there's STILL those there who say "everybody does it" , "rogue individuals are to blame " and " Butch didn't know. " Look at yourselves , unx'ers. Put ANY other school in your position under the very same circumstances. Ya STILL feel like defending the head coach?
- Posted by devildj

Someone needs more fiber in their diet...

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