UNC suspends 13 players for selling sneakers

North Carolina has suspended 13 football players, including quarterback Chazz Surratt, for selling school-issued sneakers, the school announced Monday in a press release.

Surratt is one of nine players suspended four games for the violation, which the NCAA deemed a secondary violation after the school self-reported allegations. Two players have received two-game suspensions, and two will miss one game.

Those who will miss four games are: Surratt, offensive lineman Brian Anderson, defensive end Malik Carney, wide receiver Beau Corrales, defensive end Tomon Fox, defensive end Tyrone Hopper, offensive lineman Quiron Johnson, linebacker Malik Robinson and offensive lineman Jordan Tucker.

Defensive backs Greg Ross and Tre Shaw will miss two games, and quarterback Jack Davidson and offensive lineman Jonah Melton will miss one.

According to the release, the NCAA approved a request to stagger the suspensions of Carney and Fox because they play the same position. All other suspensions will begin Sept. 1 with the Tar Heels’ opener at Cal.

The punishments stem from reports that 15 players on the team sold school-issued sneakers in January for as much as $2,500.

“I am certainly upset by our players’ actions and how their choices reflect on them, our program and the University,” head coach Larry Fedora said in the release. “These young men knew the rules and are being held responsible for the poor choices they have made.”

“We are disappointed,” director of athletics Bubba Cunningham said. “Chancellor [Carol] Folt, Coach Fedora and I have high expectations of all of our students, coaches and staff, and we expect everyone to embrace and abide by all team and NCAA rules. We always will strive to get better.”

The suspended players are allowed to participate fully in practices, meetings, and strength and conditioning work.

Surratt, a redshirt sophomore, has been battling Nathan Elliott, a junior, for the starting quarterback job.

Surratt started seven games and played in nine last season, leading the team with 1,342 passing yards. He also threw for eight scores and three interceptions, and rushed for five more touchdowns.

Elliott took over after Surratt was injured and started the team’s final three games, throwing for 926 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in five total games on the season.

–Field Level Media