Michael Jordan played a surprising part in UNC football GM Michael Lombardi’s overseas fundraising trip
Michael Lombardi’s trip before the start of the season has had everyone talking.
All eyes have been on the University of North Carolina this season as Bill Belichick has made the transition to college football. But, it hasn’t been the easiest move, as the Tar Heels have suffered some bad losses that have thrown Belichick and the entire coaching staff even further into the spotlight.
That includes Michael Lombardi, who was brought on to serve as general manager. And a recent report about Lombardi has got everyone talking.
The Athletic reports that two weeks before Belichick’s college football debut, Lombardi traveled to Saudi Arabia on “an exploratory fundraising trip,” as it was described by UNC vice chancellor for communications Dean Stoyer.
Lombardi’s visit was confirmed by a UNC football official, saying that the Tar Heels general manager “went to Saudi Arabia to meet with high-ranking government officials to discuss potential partnership opportunities.”
“The Saudis love UNC because of Coach Belichick and Michael Jordan,” the official added.
The news of Lombardi’s trip was first reported by Pablo Torre.
Michael Lombardi isn’t the first college football staff member to travel to the middle east on behalf of the school
The Athletic further added that during the 2024 season, former Colorado assistant coach Trevor Reilly went on an “individually-funded trip” to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Dubai in an attempt to see if they have interest in becoming investors in the team.
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Putting an end to that speculation.
