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NCAA inquiry prompts Blake to resign at North Carolina

Defensive line coach has been linked to investigation involving players’ relationships with agents. Dave Miller

Print This September 05, 2010, 11:48 PM EST
4 Comments

We’ve seen the ongoing NCAA investigation into the North Carolina football program cost high-profile Tar Heels players time on the field due to suspension. Now we’ve seen the inquiry cost a coach his job.

Not head coach Butch Davis. He's safe for now. But for how long?

As the probe into possible improper contact with agents and academic misconduct continues at the school, defensive line coach John Blake has resigned, effective immediately.

Blake, who was also the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, reportedly has been a target of the investigation into players' possible improper conduct with agents.

“While I have enjoyed my tenure at the University of North Carolina, it has become apparent to me over the course of the past few weeks that my presence has become a distraction to my family and to this great university, too,” Blake said in a prepared statement Sunday.

“Consequently, I have determined that it is in the best interests of my family, the university community at large, and the football program for me to step down from my position as associate head football coach effective today, September 5, 2010.”

Multiple reports for weeks have had Blake connected to the investigation of defensive tackle Marvin Austin and receiver Greg Little, specifically, for their possible improper contact with sports agents.

NFL agent Gary Wichard, a close friend of Blake, has stated that Blake is involved in the investigation.

It remains to be seen how this two-tiered investigation will affect Davis’ job security. Perhaps by taking the first bullet, Blake has helped Davis along the way.

UNC fell to LSU 30-24 Saturday night at the Georgia Dome in its season opener, a game the Tar Heels played without seven starters due to suspension.

Follow me on Twitter at Miller_Dave or send your college football questions to dave.miller@nationalfootballpost.com

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BrownChicken
Sep 06, 2010
04:00 AM

When 2 or 3 players are busted, I can buy that the people up front knew nothing.

When 20 are likely to be involved in misconduct.... either you knew and did nothing or you are too ignorant to keep your job.

It makes me think of that scene in Casino when Robert De Niro fires one of his floor managers because there was a scam going on under his nose. Either he was corrupt and in on it, or he was too stupid to be a floor manager.

Packfanforlife
Sep 06, 2010
10:08 AM

you are right chicken, and great Casino shout out there too, one of my fav movies.

The thing that is crazy about this whole thing in the NCAA, is that its been going on forever. Now that the NCAA FINALLY did something about USC, the rest of the pieces are starting to fall. Its interesting in that it makes the league look back from the standpoint that they had to know it was going on, I mean, everyone knew it was going on to an extent. Those stupid bloodsucking agents, you know they were throwing dollars at these kids. Kids who came from poor backgrounds, driving around campus in escalades? As Keyshawn says... "C'mon man!"

Packfanforlife
Sep 06, 2010
10:08 AM

you are right chicken, and great Casino shout out there too, one of my fav movies.

The thing that is crazy about this whole thing in the NCAA, is that its been going on forever. Now that the NCAA FINALLY did something about USC, the rest of the pieces are starting to fall. Its interesting in that it makes the league look back from the standpoint that they had to know it was going on, I mean, everyone knew it was going on to an extent. Those stupid bloodsucking agents, you know they were throwing dollars at these kids. Kids who came from poor backgrounds, driving around campus in escalades? As Keyshawn says... "C'mon man!"

MrMurder37
Sep 06, 2010
10:29 AM

LSU was up 20 and the refs threw a mercy flag when they ran a TD in on third and six of about 30 yards. A mercy killing is what it turned into. After being stung on national TV the bad blood will be purged.

Clearly this goes higher. So much for the hype around the NC program the past two seasons. Too much like the the 'Canes for their own good, in the wrong way. Ouch, coach Davis.

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