Freshman Keeyun Chapman faces indefinite suspension following a weapons charge, adding to the off-field turmoil surrounding Bill Belichick’s program just days before a pivotal showdown against Clemson.
The North Carolina Tar Heels are getting set to play Clemson on Saturday, but the news Thursday morning will create big distractions for Bill Belichick's team days before they're set to play a winnable game against a Tigers team that has had a slow start to the season.
Per multiple reports, Steve Belichick resigned as defensive coordinator. He had been on medical leave since early August. His time on leave came amid Michael Lombardi being placed on paid administrative leave amid an investigation.
Lombardi resigned earlier in the month.
Per a statement by North Carolina posted on X by ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Tar Heels suspended wide receiver Keeyun Chapman.
"Carolina Football has suspended Keeyun Chapman from the team indefinitely in connection with an incident Tuesday night," the statement reads. "Chapman's suspension, like the actions resulting from the investigation, reflect the University's commitment to accountability and the well-being of its student athletes.
"We believe the steps announced today will help make Carolina Football a stronger program and one that continues to earn the pride of the entire Carolina community."
Chapman, a freshman from Jackson, Alabama, has recorded no stats this season.
Per Brian Chapman of WRAL, Jackson was cited for a misdemeanor of carrying a concealed weapon. The Chapel Hill police report described the weapon as a handgun.
It's been an ugly couple of months for North Carolina and head coach Bill Belichick, who was already facing pressure to win this season after going 4-8 in his first season with the Tar Heels.
UNC has started the season on the field about as good as it could have hoped for, beating TCU 15-10 in Dublin before going 2-0 with a 35-3 win over ETSU in Week 2.
The Tar Heels have a crucial game coming up on Saturday at Clemson. The Tigers were blown out 51-10 by LSU in Week 1 and struggled to put Georgia Southern away in Week 2, winning 22-7 at home.
Clemson is a winnable game for an improved North Carolina team. It's a game Bill Belichick and North Carolina need to win given the headlines surrounding the program.
