UNC self-reports academic infractions to NCAA

North Carolina

UNC self-reports academic infractions to NCAA

By Ken Smith & Dan Bowens

Aug 27, 2010

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Chapel Hill, N.C. — The University of North Carolina has self-reported academic infractions involving football players and a tutor uncovered during an internal investigation, school officials said Thursday.

During a news conference, head football coach Butch Davis confirmed his family also employed the tutor in question as an academic coach for his son.

“I’m, to be honest with you, a little surprised and probably disappointed, but there’s been no revelations as to the extent or what has transpired,” Davis said.

School officials said the academic infractions came up during a separate NCAA investigation into whether some Carolina players had improper contact with professional sports agents.

Because the university and the NCAA are currently looking into the academic issues, school officials said they could not comment on how many players are involved or the academic infractions committed by the tutor and the players.

Athletic Director Dick Baddour said Davis will need to make some decisions about who will be playing in upcoming games.

Baddour added not to make assumptions about who does not play in game one as it may not relate to the investigation or infractions.

InsideCarolina's Greg Barnes joined 99.9 FM The Fan Thursday afternoon and said up to 12 players could be involved.

"We’ve heard as few as six and as many as 12 (players) and we’re trying to narrow it down," Barnes said.

According to InsideCarolina, the players involved were relegated to the scout team at practice on Wednesday.

“There are definitely some names in that starting lineup that have been relegated to the scout team," said Barnes. "We obviously don’t know the severity of it though.”

As quickly as the chancellor, athletic director and coach finished speaking, word of the possible academic infractions involving football players and a former tutor had spread on Carolina's campus from the ball field to the bell tower

"Academics come first, no matter what student athlete,” UNC student Thomas Kenna said. “You can't cheat. You can't have any unauthorized help.”

During Thursday's press conference, Baddour defended Carolina's academic support program.

“I feel good about the academic support program that we have and the measures we have in place nonetheless. We’re here talking about potential misconduct and that is of great concern,” Baddour said.

The academic infractions are a concern that school officials said they are taking seriously – the results of which could have implications for the football program on and off the field.

“It’s a privilege to put on the Carolina uniform and represent the university, and it’s our job to make sure the people who do so have earned that privilege,” Thorp said.

Kenna said he is hoping his upcoming trip to Atlanta for the UNC-LSU game won't be ruined.

"I know programs get away with it. It's unfortunate it's happening now. Everyone has bought their tickets. But, they've done what they’ve done. Hopefully the LSU game is still on,” he said.

Off-field issues have hit the Tar Heels hard this season, as another investigation involving Carolina athletes and improper contact with agents is ongoing.

UNC student Simms Richardson said Thursday that it's too early to pass judgment.

"There have been rumors about all different schools…unfortunate to hear that,” he said.

While some want the rules to be fair for everyone, others, like UNC student Grace Hurt, hope the incidents don't stain the schools reputation.

"Definitely, they are big leaders in our community, so, they represent us, and we represent them,” Hurt said. “Hopefully it won't be anything that will reflect badly on the student body."

Web Editors: Erin Summers, Kathy Hanrahan

Most Recent Comments

RE: UNC self-reports academic infractions to NCAA

If you look at press conference around the 19 minute mark it came out in a joint interview so it should not be termed "self-reported". Nice "review" as well. It's an investigation. If NC State lost an AD and Head Coach for what was minor infractions (selling shoes and game tickets) and was termed "lack of institutional control" then Dickie and Butch better be run out of town on a rail. All these players should be academically ineligible (suspended for the semester). Any agent-gate player should be kicked out of school.

RE: UNC self-reports academic infractions to NCAA

..."Academics come first, no matter what student athlete,â�� UNC student Thomas Kenna said. â��You can't cheat. You can't have any unauthorized help....â��

LOL....aw go blow that smoke up someone else skirt!!! $$$$$$$ comes first..period!!!

RE: UNC self-reports academic infractions to NCAA

As a friend and family member to many Heels fans, I'm disheartened and saddened by the latest alleged academic infractions committed by what seems to be a large number of players on the football team, and hope sincerely that the harshest possible penalty allowed by the NCAA will rain down upon their beloved program with swift and sincere vengeance.

RE: UNC self-reports academic infractions to NCAA

It wasn't "self reported". The NCAA uncovered it. One of the representatives from the school said that in last nights press conference. How is that self reported?!?!
- Posted by Kingfish

No, I think Carolina uncovered it while doing their own digging. But they were only digging BECAUSE the NCAA was investigating.

RE: UNC self-reports academic infractions to NCAA

It wasn't "self reported". The NCAA uncovered it. One of the representatives from the school said that in last nights press conference. How is that self reported?!?!

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