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The UNC football program received some bad news on Monday, with 13 Tar Heels players receiving suspensions due to a violation of NCAA rules. On Monday, UNC self-reported a secondary NCAA violation which included the sale of team-issued shoes. The Tar Heels are one of the few universities to have an apparel deal with the Jordan Brand.
Offensive lineman Brian Anderson, defensive end Malik Carney, wide receiver Beau Corrales, defensive end Tomon Fox, defensive end Tyrone Hopper, offensive lineman Quiron Johnson, linebacker Malik Robinson, quarterback Chazz Surratt and offensive lineman Jordan Tucker will each miss out on four games to start the 2018 college football season.
Defensive backs Greg Ross and Tre Shaw will miss two games, while quarterback Jack Davidson and offensive lineman Jonah Melton will miss one.
“I am certainly upset by our players’ actions and how their choices reflect on them, our program and the University,” head coach Larry Fedora said in a statement. “These young men knew the rules and are being held responsible for the poor choices they have made. Accountability is an important core principle in this program. We will learn from this and aim to do better in the future.”
The shoes were allegedly sold to a local shoe business. The university attempted to get the shoes back in their possession, but nine pairs were still unaccounted for by the equipment staff.
“We are disappointed,” director of athletics Bubba Cunningham said. “Chancellor Folt, Coach Fedora and I have high expectations of all of our students, coaches and staff, and we expect everyone to embrace and abide by all team and NCAA rules. We always will strive to get better.”
UNC kicks off the 2018 campaign Saturday, Sept. 1 with a road game against Cal. Kickoff between the short-handed Tar Heels and Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium is set for 4:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
