UNC Investigation Now Includes Academics

UNC investigation expands to academics

By Robbi Pickeral
robbie.pickeral@newsobserver.com

Posted: Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010

CHAPEL HILL -- The NCAA's investigation into North Carolina's football program -- which began with a probe into possible improper contact between players and agents -- has expanded into academics, UNC chancellor Holden Thorp said Thursday night.

Thorp said that during the joint investigation with the NCAA, the school learned of possible academic misconduct that involves an undergraduate tutor and members of the football team. "We are treating this with the seriousness you would expect from this University,'' Thorp said. "We will figure this out. ... We hope the scope of this is limited."

Athletics director Dick Baddour said it is likely the review will extend into the football season.

"The investigation now how two prongs,'' Baddour said. "I want to caution you about making assumptions if student-athletes don't play. ... We resolve to find any misconduct and deal with it seriously."

For about two months, the NCAA and the school have been investigating a possible improper relationship with sports agents in the school's football program. An undisclosed number of players were interviewed when NCAA investigators visited campus July 12 and 13, and investigators conducted more interviews during a return trip earlier this month.

Defensive tackle Marvin Austin and wide receiver Greg Little were among the players interviewed. The investigation also involves associate head coach John Blake.

One potential violation of NCAA rules occurred when former UNC defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer paid for Austin and then Tar Heel defensive tackle Cam Thomas to train in California in the summer of 2009. Thomas confirmed that Balmer paid for the trip, which may be construed as an extra benefit by the NCAA.

Thomas and Austin trained at Proactive Sports Performance in Westlake Village, Calif. That facility is where clients of California-based agent Gary Wichard of Pro Tect Management train for the NFL draft.

Blake, the North Carolina assistant coach, is a former Pro Tect vice president and a longtime associate of Wichard, who also is Balmer's agent.

Since Austin and Thomas trained at Pro Tect and then played for the Tar Heels in 2009, there is a chance North Carolina will have to vacate its records from the 2009 season.

Austin also was connected with the NCAA's investigation at the University of South Carolina, where the NCAA also has interviewed multiple players.

Tight end Weslye Saunders was asked about his friendship with Austin, his online interaction with Austin on the social media site Twitter, and a trip to Washington, D.C., according to Barry Saunders, Weslye's father.

Saunders is a metro columnist for the News & Observer.

UNC announced the Thursday night pressconference around mid-afternoon, when coach Butch Davis' regularly scheduled pre-practice briefing with the media was suddenly canceled. The early portion of practice, which was scheduled to be open to the media, was closed.

"Nothing is more important than the character ... and integrity of this football program,'' coach Butch Davis said.

Davis said the tutor that is in question "is someone that has previously been employed by our family."

She was employed by the family to be an academic coach and academic adviser, Davis said.

Baddour said the focus of the academic investigation is on football, but that the school would look at it as an opportunity to take a look into the tutoring program within other athletic programs.

"This is someone who worked with our son, and to be honest with you, we're a little bit surprised and possibly disappointed,'' Davis said of the tutor. "But there's been no revelation ... as to what actually transpired."

Baddour said he could not talk the number of players involved, or name the tutor, who has since been terminated. "We are looking at improprieties that occurred outside the classroom,'' he said.