N. Carolina coach Davis to release cell phone records

Associated Press

DURHAM, N.C.

North Carolina coach Butch Davis plans to release his personal cell phone records to media outlets covering the NCAA investigation of the school’s football program.

The school had previously released records in June showing only few calls from Davis’ office and university-issued cell phone in 2009 and 2010. That prompted reporters to request records for any personal devices used for school business.

Speaking after the Pigskin Preview preseason luncheon with area coaches, Davis said the university had already reviewed records for a cell phone he’s had for about 10 years and that he intended to release them with the numbers for personal calls redacted.

“Anything that has absolutely anything to do with UNC and business, those will certainly be completely open for public record,” Davis said.

Davis didn’t specify exactly when he’d release the records and said he didn’t know if the NCAA had reviewed them.

Thursday’s comments marked the first time Davis had spoken with reporters since the NCAA sent the school a notice last month alleging numerous major violations, though none directly linked to Davis himself. The coach found himself in an almost identical situation at last year’s Pigskin Preview, where he publicly answered questions for the first time after the NCAA began an investigation into improper benefits.

That investigation eventually expanded to academic misconduct and ultimately sidelined 14 players for at least one game with seven ruled out for the entire 2010 season.

Chancellor Holden Thorp, athletic director Dick Baddour and other administrators have been publicly supportive of Davis, who said he never doubted that he would be back for a fifth season.