Collegiate Times

The University of North Carolina announced Thursday it has expanded the investigation into its football program to possible academic violations.

North Carolina held a press conference detailing the investigation, which included Director of Athletics Dick Baddour, Chancellor Holden Thorp, and head coach Butch Davis.

At least nine Tar Heels were demoted to the scout team Wednesday, sources said.

According to ESPN.com, defensive tackle Marvin Austin, defensive end Robert Quinn, and linebacker Bruce Carter were among those relegated to the scout team.

On July 15, Baddour confirmed the NCAA was involved in an investigation with the school concerning agents and improper player benefits. Austin and senior wide receiver Greg Little were among the players involved in the investigation.

Reports indicated Austin was interviewed after he was seen driving the vehicle of former Tar Heels defensive tackle and first round pick Kentwan Balmer. Austin also worked out with Balmer at Proactive Sports Performance during the summer of 2009.

Additionally, Austin and Little were questioned about trips they took to Florida and California. Balmer was drafted 28th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2008 NFL Draft, but was traded to the Seattle Seahawks on Aug. 16.

Furthermore, Balmer’s agent, Gary Wichard, has possible ties to the Tar Heels’ defensive line coach John Blake. The NCAA inquiry also concerned Blake’s role as the vice president of football operations with Pro Tect management, a company founded and run by Wichard.

However, on Thursday new allegations arose involving a former tutor who allegedly wrote papers for North Carolina football players.

The tutor in question also happened to be a nanny for Davis, confirmed during the press conference.

Davis was hired in 2006, succeeding former head coach John Bunting.

In three years with the Tar Heels, Davis has compiled a 20-18 record including back-to-back bowl appearances. Davis also coached the University of Miami and squared off against Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer when the two programs were in the Big East.

According to cbssports.com, senior cornerback Kendric Burney and senior cornerback Charles Brown have already been dismissed from the team.

The No. 18 Tar Heels will open the season against No. 21 LSU in Atlanta for the annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Last year, the Hokies and the Alabama Crimson Tide played in the event with the Crimson Tide winning 34-24.