UNC Denies Bill Belichick's Girlfriend Jordon Hudson Is Banned from Football Facility

The University of North Carolina has denied that it banned Jordon Hudson, the girlfriend of head football coach Bill Belichick, from its football facility in response to a report from Meadowlark Media's Pablo Torre on Friday.

North Carolina issued a statement saying that Hudson is "welcome" at all team facilities.

Torre pushed back on UNC's statement, saying that he stands by the reporting, noting it came "from the highest levels of the football program."

The denial comes after Torre cited a source close to Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick, who said: "There is deep worry for how detrimental Jordon can be for not just North Carolina but Bill's legacy, reputation."

The Athletic's Matt Baker reported on April 15 that Hudson doesn't have a formal role with UNC. In one case, however, she communicated with the school's social media team on how to frame the hiring of Belichick's son, Steve, as defensive coordinator.

Belichick and Hudson's relationship has also become the biggest storyline surrounding the program.

TMZ Sports reported on April 28 that some UNC officials "are now concerned about Hudson's influence on Belichick's tenure as the head football coach."

That was after the coach appeared on CBS Sunday Morning to promote his new book. Interviewer Tony Dokoupil called Hudson a "constant presence" in the background, and she can be heard at one point shooting down a question about how she and Belichick first met.

It was a microcosm of how their interpersonal dynamic has overshadowed Belichick's actual job. Even former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman believes it's becoming an unnecessary distraction.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported Sunday that Belichick has reached out to at least one outside public relations specialist for new image consultation.

For everyone at North Carolina, the start of football season probably can't come soon enough so there's at least something else to talk about. The Tar Heels open the year Sept. 1 against TCU.