Lombardi's lawyer denounces UNC probe as baseless witch hunt

Attorney Tom Mars, representing Michael Lombardi—Bill Belichick’s former right-hand man now serving as UNC football’s general manager—characterized the university’s ongoing investigation as a witch hunt. Lombardi was placed on administrative leave in July after a human-resources complaint from a former staffer, yet his lawyer asserts the school has no concrete proof of wrongdoing. He points to Lombardi’s $1.5 million salary and the possibility of a multimillion-dollar buyout as motives behind the costly inquiry.

Media reports have accused Lombardi of bullying, ignoring compliance rules, and imposing a surveillance-style management approach reminiscent of the Patriots’ system. Mars maintains that Lombardi is fully cooperating and has not received any incriminating documents. The probe is also under the jurisdiction of the College Sports Commission, the new body overseeing compensation for college athletes.