CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina won’t have leading scorer P.J. Hairston and senior Leslie McDonald for the No. 12 Tar Heels’ opener against Oakland on Friday due to NCAA eligibility concerns.
Team spokesman Steve Kirschner said the review is ongoing and didn’t elaborate further.
Authorities twice cited Hairston during the offseason while driving a rental vehicle linked to a felon, raising the possibility of an improper benefits violation.
The school hasn’t specified McDonald’s issue, though UNC had to send a letter this summer ordering a company that makes designer mouth guards to stop using McDonald on a website promoting its brand.
McDonald had made at least one social media post last year about wearing one of the company’s mouth guards. NCAA rules prohibit athletes from endorsing or promoting a company or product.
