Belichick Restrictions Ignite UNC Backlash

Drake Maye completed 22-of-30 passes for 273 yards and helped the New England Patriots upset the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills 23-20. UNC's official social accounts were initially silent about Maye's NFL performance after multiple reports said head coach Bill Belichick barred Patriots scouts from UNC facilities and instructed staff not to tweet or retweet Patriots-related content. Under pressure the school later posted a delayed highlight of Maye and former UNC coach Mack Brown publicly praised him on X. Fans and critics — including some former Patriots figures — have pushed back, saying Belichick's restrictions look personal and risk damaging UNC's brand and NFL ties. The episode has intensified scrutiny of Belichick's first college season, with UNC 2-3, suffering lopsided losses, and observers questioning whether his $50 million contract is producing results.