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6d ago

Reports Confirm Belichick Bars Patriots Scouts From UNC, Tightens NFL Access

ESPN reports the Patriots were notified in August under a policy that also limits other teams to three practice sessions routed solely through a designated liaison.

A staff member holds the lightsaber of the character Darth Vader from films “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” during a press preview of movie props set to go to auction, in London on Aug. 6, 2025.
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Overview

  • Multiple outlets, including ESPN, corroborate that New England Patriots scouts have been told they are not welcome at North Carolina practices.
  • ESPN reports UNC GM Michael Lombardi and pro liaison Frantzy Jourdain communicated the Patriots ban the day before a scheduled August scout visit.
  • Scouts say UNC now restricts all NFL teams to three practice viewings with no direct contact with coaches or staff beyond Jourdain.
  • Lombardi told ESPN “Good luck” before hanging up and UNC declined comment, while a Boston Herald–cited UNC athletic source defended keeping the Patriots out.
  • The access fight follows a 48–14 loss to TCU in Belichick’s debut, drawing criticism from commentators who argue the limits could hinder player exposure to NFL evaluators.