UNC GM Michael Lombardi claims 'fake stories' helped undermine Bill Belichick’s debut season

After a legendary NFL coaching career that produced eight Super Bowl rings as both an assistant and head coach, Bill Belichick made the jump to the college ranks last year.

Belichick led North Carolina to a 4-8 record in his first season in Chapel Hill, but a string of off-field headlines largely overshadowed the program.

UNC general manager Michael Lombardi recently addressed the scrutiny and outside criticism that surrounded the program last season, defending the team’s response...