In a highly anticipated UNC Board of Trustees meeting, tensions were diffused on Thursday as interim chancellor Lee Roberts and trustee Ralph Meekins publicly defended athletic director Bubba Cunningham. The board had raised concerns about Cunningham's management, but Roberts and Meekins emphasized his experience and integrity.

The meeting was marked by discussions surrounding the audit of the Tar Heels' athletic department and the challenges posed by the rapidly changing landscape of college sports. Trustee John Preyer expressed reservations and the need for further discussions, citing concerns about revenue and management. However, the overall defense of Cunningham shifted the tone of the meeting.

Interim chancellor Lee Roberts reassured the board that the athletics department is well-audited, having undergone 10 audits in the past five years. Roberts also spoke highly of Cunningham's reputation as a distinguished and respected athletic director, emphasizing his capabilities and experience.

Despite the initial concerns raised by some members of the board regarding UNC's athletic budget, Preyer clarified that no separate budget presentation or discussion for athletics would take place in closed session. The board's focus in the closed-door meeting revolved around confidential topics, such as personnel matters and campus security.

During the open session, no questions were directed towards Cunningham, and he left the meeting when the closed session began. Cunningham's future response regarding UNC's position in the ACC remained undisclosed.

Trustee Ralph Meekins, aiming to prioritize UNC's best interests, expressed affection for the program's affiliation with the ACC. Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the university, Meekins highlighted the need to remain competitive within the conference. He praised Cunningham's expertise in navigating UNC through this turbulent era of conference realignment, emphasizing the importance of negotiations with ESPN and other member schools.

As the UNC Board of Trustees adjourned, it was evident that support for Bubba Cunningham remained strong, providing a sense of stability for the athletic department amidst ongoing challenges.

The internal audit of the athletic department is expected to take several months, while UNC continues to navigate the complexities of college sports and the evolving conference realignment landscape.