Bring Back Butch!

Throughout the pending NCAA investigation, emotions have run high. We are all embarrassed that some of our players performed less than admirably. However, throughout the entire process, Coach Butch Davis has handled himself professionally, respectfully, and in deference to the great university he serves.

The decision of the Administration to fire Butch Davis on July 27, 2011 was poorly timed and handled terribly. If the Notice of Allegations did not name Butch Davis, nor was there any evidence that he participated or had knowledge of the misbehavior of his players, the Administration did not treat Coach Davis with the respect he deserves.

The decision of the Administration to fire Butch Davis could have come when the investigation surfaced if they chose to blame the head coach for the misdeeds of the program. However, they chose to wait until just before the 2011-12 season started, effectively ruining a second consecutive season of North Carolina football and irreparably damaging the Carolina name.

Tar Heels earned their nickname by standing their ground in times of adversity, not by cutting and running. Until there is some evidence that Coach Davis was involved in some wrongdoing, this decision by the Administration signals to every potential coach and recruit that our cherished reputation for integrity is all for show.

The petition requests that the Administration of the University of North Carolina reinstates Coach Davis, immediately, pending the outcome of the NCAA investigation. If cause can be shown why Coach Davis should be terminated as the head coach of our program, so be it. As of this time, Coach Davis has represented our University with courage and openness. We are proud to consider him a part of the Carolina family, and ask that you stand by him until such time he is found guilty of some serious offense.

Sincerely,


The University of North Carolina family