Overview

• USA TODAY reported a person with direct knowledge confirmed Patriots scouts were banned from Tar Heels practices and said GM Mike Lombardi sent the message.
• The Boston Globe said multiple sources corroborated the ban, which covers practices and games, and a UNC source cited Robert Kraft’s treatment of Belichick while noting scouts can still be helped via calls and shared film.
• Bleacher Report detailed broader limits for all NFL teams, with UNC’s college-relations portal using the term “zero access” and pro liaison Frantzy Jourdain designated to handle requests and film.
• The 48-14 home loss to TCU marked the most points allowed in a UNC opener and the highest score against a Belichick-coached team at any level, the Associated Press reported, with Charlotte up next on a short week.
• Reporters and commentators said the Patriots-specific ban and tighter policies could reduce in-person evaluations and risk dampening UNC prospects’ draft exposure.