UNC Football Program Is Being Investigated By the College Sports Commission

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The UNC Tar Heels football program is officially being investigated by the College Sports Commission, according to Pablo Torre.

Pablo Torre reported on Monday, July 27 that in addition to UNC GM Michael Lombardi being placed on administrative leave, the Tar Heels football program is being investigated, in relation to compliance and enforcement issues.

"BREAKING: In addition to the Mike Lombardi HR matter, the University of North Carolina football team is also being investigated by the College Sports Commission — the entity which handles compliance and enforcement of NCAA and NIL rules," Torre reported on Monday afternoon.

Lombardi, who serves as the GM of the UNC Tar Heels football program, was one of the first hires made by head coach Bill Belichick, when he took the job in late 2024. UNC had a disappointing first season, posting a losing record and missing bowl season.

The Tar Heels did not have a single player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, either.

Details emerge from Lombardi's leave

ESPN reported that the decision to place Lombardi on leave stems from an HR complaint.

"The school's decision stems from a human resources complaint filed by a former UNC front office employee, a source told ESPN's Pete Thamel. There is a pending investigation into the matter, according to the source," ESPN reported.

UNC released a brief statement.

"As is standard procedure with personnel matters, leadership, staff, and student-athletes are prohibited from addressing this topic further, and has no reflection on the merits," the school said in a statement.

Lombardi has been with Belichick for a while. He worked under him with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016, and earlier with the Cleveland Browns starting in 1987.

UNC is scheduled to open the 2026 college football regular season on Aug. 29 against TCU in Dublin, Ireland.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Jul 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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