Yes, Butch Davis brought in and trusted John Blake, who was at the center of the NCAA football investigation. And yes, Butch Davis recruited Marvin Austin, who seems to be the biggest violator among the players of NCAA rules. the And yes, Butch Davis was responsible for the football program. But how about the responsibility being on those who committed the violations.

Former Carolina linebacker Mark Paschal said that Coach Davis stressed the importance of academics, getting a good education, going to class and generally doin things the right way. He always talked about representing the University well, Paschal said.

“A select few chose not to listen to Coach Davis and those few caused a lot of pain,” he said. “It’s a reflection not on Coach Davis but on a handful of guys who chose not to do it the right way.”

I generally agree with that. Coach Davis was a bad judge of character but a good motivator who led the team through the turmoil of last season. He won’t be there this time to do that and it remains to be seen if interim head coach Everett Withers can do it. Probably not because most everyone believes the interim label will not change to permanent.