Michael Lombardi's attorney criticizes UNC investigation

Michael Lombardi, the general manager of the University of North Carolina's football program, has been placed on administrative leave as the university investigates a human resources complaint filed by a former employee. Lombardi's attorney, Tom Mars, described the investigation as a "witch hunt" in comments reported by The Athletic. Lombardi, who reportedly earns a salary of $1.5 million, the highest for a GM in the NCAA, is under scrutiny following a 4-8 record in the previous season. Mars stated that if UNC had sufficient grounds to terminate Lombardi for cause, they would have done so without the need for an extensive investigation. He suggested that the motives behind the investigation extend beyond Lombardi's salary, noting that UNC could terminate him or other staff members without cause by simply paying their buyouts. Reports indicate that Lombardi is accused of bullying subordinates and violating compliance guidelines. Mars asserted that Lombardi is fully cooperating with the investigation, which is being conducted by the College Sports Commission, the new oversight body for college athletics. He added that Lombardi has not been presented with any evidence suggesting wrongdoing. Lombardi previously worked with Bill Belichick during his tenure with the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots.