UNC General Manager Michael Lombardi’s Attorney Slams Probe as a “Witch Hunt”

UNC General Manager Michael Lombardi remains on paid administrative leave while the university investigates him. Recently, his legal representative has voiced frustration over the length of the inquiry.

On Saturday, attorney Tom Mars criticized the investigation in remarks to David Ubben of The Athletic.

“If UNC had grounds to fire Michael for cause, they wouldn’t need to conduct such an extensive and prolonged witch hunt,” Mars stated to Ubben. “They would have done so by now. I believe the motive behind the investigation extends beyond a $1.5 million buyout. After all, UNC could dismiss Michael (or the athletic director or any head coach) for no reason whatsoever simply by paying out their buyout. In today’s landscape, $1.5 million is a trivial amount, so there must be other reasons driving this multimillion-dollar investigation.”

Earlier, Mars offered similar remarks to David Hale of ESPN, labeling the investigation a “snipe hunt.”

Lombardi and Mars are entitled to their perspectives on the matter. However, if the situation arose, as reported, from a complaint submitted by a former employee to the university, North Carolina bears a responsibility to carry out a comprehensive and meticulous investigation. Throughout the process, Lombardi continues to receive his salary.

Mars appears to be virtually inviting UNC to terminate Lombardi for cause. If that occurs, Lombardi’s $1.5 million salary would cease. While he might have grounds to contest the decision, he would not receive compensation while the legal proceedings unfold.

Generally speaking, it is preferable to receive a paycheck than to go without one. If Lombardi and Mars seek a swift resolution to the investigation, Lombardi may find the immediate financial consequences of a final ruling unappealing.

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