No legal action resulting from North Carolina's meeting reportedly about Tez Walker

Brian Murphy, a sports investigative reporter for WRAL in North Carolina, reported that the UNC Board of Trustees met on Monday to discuss legal action regarding football player Tez Walker and his ineligibility in 2023.

Per Murphy, head football coach Mack Brown attended the meeting along with other top UNC office-holders.

“The UNC Board of Trustees met for more than 90 minutes in closed session Monday to discuss potential legal options in the eligibility case of transfer wide receiver Tez Walker. UNC Chancellor Kevin Gustkewitcz, athletics director Bubba Cunningham and football coach Mack Brown attended the meeting. Many board members attended virtually.”

After the conclusion of the meeting, Murphy reported that no action had been taken, per Gustkewitcz.

“UNC chancellor Kevin Gustkewitcz addresses media after more than 90-minute closed session of UNC board. Did not mention WR Tez Walker by name. Says they received legal advice, including from outside counsel. No action was taken. Cunningham, Brown deferred to chancellor.”

Murphy also included the following quote from Gustkewitcz on what happened in the meeting.

“This was an important meeting where we received some legal updates that will help inform us as we do everything possible to support our student-athletes here at Carolina.” 

And though Walker’s name was never explicitly mentioned, notes Murphy, Coach Brown confirmed that the meeting was centered around his case.

“Though the chancellor and board chair John Preyer did not say Walker’s name, Brown confirmed before the meeting that he was the focus.”

Brown had said prior to the meeting:

“That meeting is called to try to figure out all the best options for Tez Walker. We need to all get in the same room and figure out what’s best for the young man. I’m really, really proud of our Board of Trustees that they’re standing up to try to figure out what’s best and so we can see all of our options, get a singular voice and then move forward.”

However, as Murphy noted at the outset, no legal action has been taken yet by North Carolina. For now, Walker will continue to sit out after he already missed the team’s first two games.

As a reminder, Walker’s situation is unique because he is a two-time transfer, which now requires players to sit out under new transfer guidelines. But since he never played at his first school due to COVID cancellations, UNC was hopeful he would earn a waiver to play this season since he had only appeared in a game for one other schools.

Alas, his waiver was denied and now North Carolina and head football coach Mack Brown are continuing to try and find ways to fight for Walker’s right to play.