UNC Official's Comment on Jordon Hudson Says It All
Bill Belichick and the University of North Carolina have attempted to control the narrative surrounding his girlfriend, 24-year-old Jordon Hudson.
The controversy began after Hudson's reaction to a seemingly benign question during an interview with CBS, and has now required Belichick to speak on Hudson's rumored involvement with the football program.
A comment from a North Carolina official who was "not authorized to discuss the coach’s personal relationship" seems to indicate that the issues are far from over for the program, even before Belichick's first game as head coach.
“It’s just so odd,” the official told the Washington Post, as their comments were featured in an article on Hudson and Belichick Wednesday.
“And we just don’t know what’s coming. Those two decide what they’re going to do, and they do it.”
North Carolina pushed back on reports that Hudson was banned from school facilities and practice grounds, but Belichick seemed to confirm suspicions by claiming that she has no involvement with football.
Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer offered his services to UNC and Belichick shortly after the head coach was hired, an offer that the coach and school refused to take.
Fleischer commented on the fallout from the media firestorm surrounding Belichick and Hudson, and he made it clear that this was an example in how not to handle a situation that relates this closely to one's personal life.
“As soon as this hit, I said, ‘We need to add this to tips and techniques for what not to do,’” Fleischer said.
According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the Tar Heels have considered hiring former Chicago Bears public relations chief Mike Faber. Faber has experience with multiple teams in Chicago, as he's also held public relations roles for the NBA's Bulls and NHL's Blackhawks.
Some have suggested that UNC should sever ties with Belichick before the season to avoid Hudson and his personal life becoming more of a distraction, but it appears that the veteran head coach will attempt to address the issue at an internal level.
We've seen Belichick at the NFL level win with a relatively low amount of fuss or fanfare, but his college tenure is beginning with far more intrigue and controversy.