Tar Heels' Roy Williams explains reaction to retirement rumors
Following Saturday's 96-71 rout of Miami, North Carolina coach Roy Williams used a portion of his postgame news conference to vehemently deny retirement rumors made by CBS Sports' Doug Gottlieb.
While Williams mentioned that he liked Gottlieb, the coach called the speculation "sinful."
On Tuesday, The News & Observer's Andrew Carger wrote a story explaining why Williams reacted so strongly to the rumors.
“I don't ever want to leave when things – when I leave I want it to be in good shape,” Williams said. “And for me, this would have been a very hard time to leave.”
"If I was going to leave I would have left the first day because I knew I was not involved (in the NCAA violations),” Williams said. “It's pretty simple for me.” .
Gottlieb has attempted to clarify his comments, recently Tuesday on "The Dan Patrick Show." Gottlieb stated that health issues — Williams missed the second half of a Feb. 9 game against Boston College due to vertigo — and the pending NCAA case have led people to believe this could be the coach's final season.
The NCAA's investigation centers around bogus paper classes that included more than 3,100 students over an 18-year period. Last May, the university received its Notice of Allegations from the NCAA. While no men's basketball players were named, the ongoing investigation has allowed teams to negatively recruit against the Tar Heels' coaching staff.
Williams, 65, has not set a timetable for his retirement, according to Carter.
North Carolina (22-5, 11-3 ACC), ranked seventh in the AP poll and in sole possession of first place in the ACC, plays at N.C. State on Wednesday night.
(h/t The News & Observer)
