UNC football GM responds after being placed on administrative leave

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi says he is fully cooperating with the university's investigation and hopes to clear his name as questions continue about his recent placement on administrative leave.

The university announced earlier this week that Lombardi had been placed on paid administrative leave and said its Office of University Counsel is investigating concerns that led to the personnel action.

UNC has not publicly disclosed details about the allegations, citing confidential personnel matters.

Earlier this week, ABC11 spoke with ESPN's David Hale, who said colleague Pete Thamel reported the issue "revolves around an HR dispute for someone who was let go by Michael Lombardi, where there's an internal investigation that's ongoing, and that's where the suspension comes from."

In a statement released Friday through his lawyer, Lombardi said he has not been told the nature of the investigation.

"Michael hasn't been told anything about the nature of UNC's investigation and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name, which has already been sullied by baseless statements and innuendo on social media," the statement said.

The statement continued that Lombardi is cooperating with the university and expects the process to move quickly.

"He is fully cooperating with UNC and expects the investigation will be swift, thorough, and fair."

Lombardi's lawyer also urged people not to speculate about the allegations while the investigation remains underway.

"Michael would ask that people have the decency to let the process run its course before jumping to any conclusions about the nature of the investigation or whether there's any merit to whatever has been alleged."

On Thursday, UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts addressed the investigation publicly for the first time, saying the university began looking into concerns last week and would determine whether any corrective action is necessary.

"We learned of some concerns last week. We put Michael Lombardi on administrative leave. As you know, we began an investigation," Roberts said. "If something has gone wrong, we want to know about it. If something needs to be fixed, we will be sure to fix it."

Lombardi joined Belichick at UNC in December 2024 after previously working with the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach in both New England and Cleveland.

The investigation remains ongoing.