North Carolina confirmed Thursday that the athletic department suspended cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins for “violating NCAA rules related to extra benefits.”
The Athletic first reported Tuesday that Hawkins provided sideline passes for a Tar Heels game to members of a player’s family, in violation of NCAA rules.
In a statement, North Carolina did not provide the length of Hawkins’ suspension but indicated the coach may have violated other rules.
“(Hawkins) will remain on leave while the athletic department further investigates other potential actions detrimental to the team and the university,” the statement said.
Hawkins’ suspension comes as tensions grow around North Carolina football during Bill Belichick’s first year as head coach.
The Tar Heels are 2-3 after an ugly 38-10 loss to Clemson, and the Guardian and 247Sports reported this week that Belichick and North Carolina were discussing an “exit strategy” involving Belichick triggering his $1 million buyout if he found another landing spot in practice or in the media.
That prompted Belichick and North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham to issue short statements on social media that the coach was “fully committed to UNC football” and that the school was giving him its “full support.”
It’s unclear whether the rules Hawkins broke would affect Belichick’s buyout.
–Field level media
