UNC players were not required to speak to reporters after Saturday’s college football loss to James Madison on Saturday. In fact, they were explicitly told not to do so.
The Tar Heels hid their players from the media with a cowardly move that should not be tolerated.
North Carolina paid the Dukes $500,000 to win by 20 points in Chapel Hill. It played the entire second half in a mostly empty stadium after fans hit the exits in mass at halftime. To describe the day as embarrassing would be understated.
James Madison scored 53 points in the first half to create a lead that was insurmountable. There was no way to come back, even though UNC outscored its opponent 29-17 in the second half.
Jacolby Criswell threw two interceptions. The Tar Heels converted only two of nine attempts on third down. They also lost three fumbles.
Immediately following the loss, it was announced that head coach Mack Brown was going to make the only comments during the postgame media availability period. Players stayed in the locker room and did not speak. Not even the quarterback!
UNC football team spokesman says Carolina players won’t be made available today for interviews. Coach Mack Brown’s comments will serve as the only postgame remarks for the Tar Heels today, he says.
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) September 21, 2024
For UNC to shield its players from accountability in such a spineless manner was the icing on top of the proverbial cake. An bad day on the gridiron ended with another bad decision after the game.
College football is no longer an amateur sport!
If the players were still shackled to amateurism as student-athletes who are not getting paid, Brown’s decision to hold his players from reporters would not be as bad. However, in the era of Name, Image and Likeness, they are paid employees. To process their direct deposits without having them face questions after an awful home loss teaches the wrong message.
At North Carolina, you can lose the game on Saturday, do not have to speak to the media and still have your check cash on Monday morning. Sounds like a pretty sweet gig if you ask me!