Overview
- Head coach Bill Belichick said Tuesday that the university cleared cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins and that he has returned to the staff ahead of Saturday’s game against Virginia.
- Hawkins was suspended on Oct. 9–10 for violating NCAA rules related to extra benefits tied to providing players’ families with additional sideline passes, according to Carolina Athletics.
- UNC’s earlier statement said Hawkins would remain on leave while the department investigated other potential actions detrimental to the team and university, and officials have not released detailed findings explaining the reinstatement.
- WRAL’s reporting that preceded the suspension described complaints from sources and a parent about preferential treatment and a divided locker room under Belichick’s staff.
- WRAL also reported that Hawkins had a verbal conflict with a player that affected the player’s snaps against Clemson, a claim the athletic department declined to comment on, as the Tar Heels slog through a 2–4 start in Belichick’s first season.