CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina’s cornerbacks coach, Armond Hawkins, has been suspended due to an alleged NCAA rule violation involving extra benefits. The announcement came on Tuesday, sparking concerns amid the university’s football program.
The situation revolves around reports that Hawkins provided _sideline passes_ for a game to family members of a player, raising eyebrows about compliance with NCAA rules. These allegations are part of a larger context that includes ongoing issues within the team’s environment, particularly pertaining to head coach Bill Belichick’s program. Prior feedback indicated that players and their families were receiving preferential treatment, which could lead to serious implications for the program.
Specifically, reports highlight the case of cornerback Thaddeus Dixon, whose family allegedly had _game-day field access_ that was not extended to other players’ families. Dixon transferred to North Carolina after a stint at Washington in 2024, where Belichick’s son, Steve, was the defensive coordinator. The connection between the two programs has stirred up questions regarding favoritism in recruiting and game benefits.
Additional claims suggest that there have been “multiple examples” of preferential treatment for transfers, including _superior parking_ and extra tickets, raising concerns about the integrity of recruiting practices.
As the season unfolds, the pressure on North Carolina’s football team mounts. They have had a challenging start, currently holding a _2-3 record_ and struggling against ACC opponents with a _0-1 record_. The team has faced considerable challenges on the field, recording the lowest scoring offense in the conference with an average of only _18.8 points per game_. Their last two games resulted in significant defeats, where they were outscored _72-19_ by Clemson and UCF.
