Michael Lombardi's Attorney Releases Statement Amid UNC Investigation

CHAPEL HILL — As North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi remains on paid administrative leave, his attorney, Tom Mars, released the following statement to TarHeel247 on Friday evening.

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

Mars, a prominent attorney in the college athletics space, is representing Lombardi during the investigation. UNC announced that Lombardi was placed on paid administrative leave on Monday after a former North Carolina football staffer filed a human resources complaint against Lombardi.

Speaking to a small group of reporters on Thursday, UNC Athletic Director Steve Newmark emphasized the importance of letting the process play out.

"It's paramount for us to do what's right to make sure it's a full and fair review, and that we don't do anything to compromise the integrity of the process," Newmark said. "And because there's so many confidential details, that's why there's so much restraint on sharing anything while the process plays out."

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