UNC GM Addresses Claim Team Is Being 'Distracted' By Stories About Bill Belichick And His Girlfriend

UNC general manager Michael Lombardi has made it clear that neither he nor the team is paying attention to recent reports about coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson.

Since Belichick and Hudson's awkward CBS outing, the couple has remained in the spotlight, particularly with speculation about how their relationship might be affecting Belichick's role as the head coach of UNC.

Michael Lombardi has now dismissed these reports, calling them a "completely false narrative" and saying it's "comical" to think the team would be "distracted" by such stories.

Speaking on ESPN Radio's "Marty and McGee," UNC football general manager Lombardi addressed the recent reporting around the team's coach, Belichick, and his former cheerleader girlfriend.

He claimed that a lot of the stories were "just noise" and emphasized that the team has remained focused on their goals through it all.

Lombardi also hinted at why he hasn't really spoken out publicly against those spreading such stories online, despite how frequently the rumors have been circulated.

"For us to be distracted by something that has no bearing, that has no relevance whatsoever, that is a complete falsehood in terms of what people are saying or what they're writing, it's comical," Belichick's right-hand man said, per Pro Football Talk.

"And for me to really even attack anybody who's saying it gives them credibility. Which I don't, because it's a completely false narrative," Lombardi added.

Lombardi went on to share an example of one such report, which revolved around Belichick signing on as the head coach of the UNC football team.

"One report [said Belichick] wasn't supposed to be here [at] the beginning of June. And the next report came out that he was going to go back to the NFL," the former analyst said. "I mean, it's all just a bunch of stuff being thrown up against the wall."

He claimed that those spreading such "noise" were trying to disrupt the team's program, but emphasized that both the coaching staff and players are determined to stand firmly against it.

"We're not going to allow it," Lombardi stressed We're not going to acknowledge it. We're going to move on. And look, let's face it, the proof's in the pudding. We're having a tremendous recruiting class. We had a tremendous portal."

Belichick previously dismissed the headlines about his relationship with girlfriend Jordon Hudson as mere "noise" during a press conference earlier in the week.

"Look, I'm really focused on doing my job here at North Carolina… that's my big focus," Belichick told the press, per the New York Post. "Is there noise out there? We've always dealt with that."

"Really, our job is to build a football team and… help build the team and also build their individual careers. So that's really where we're at," Belichick added.

The former NFL coach, 73, also clarified that his girlfriend isn't involved with the UNC team in any capacity, contrary to past rumors that have suggested otherwise.

"No, she doesn't have any role in the UNC football program," he said. "But, again, there's been noise out there about a lot of different things. Again, our focus is day to day, getting better, stacking good days together. Having good rest, recovery, and training. Moving forward the next day."

Just as the UNC team isn't letting the drama surrounding Belichick and Hudson affect their plans for the season, the couple is also refusing to let it impact their relationship.

According to a source who spoke with the Daily Mail, the constant criticism they have received "acts as a fuel for their relationship and makes them even more in love."

"They both have hit the lottery and are all about each other, and they both feel that they make each other better," the insider added.

Despite the age gap, the duo is also said to be committed to each other for the long haul and may get married at some point.

"That is definitely the next step in their relationship, and he wants her to have everything she has always wanted and deserves," the source remarked.

They added, "He is going to have her plan it to the dreams she would like it to be."