With rumors of the NCAA preparing to involve itself in the situation, Roy Williams released a statement Monday saying there will be “serious consequences” for suspended star P.J. Hairston.
North Carolina coach Roy Williams says there will be ‘serious consequences’ for P.J. Hairston
It’s been a tumultuous summer for troubled North Carolina star P.J. Hairston, and on Monday his head coach weighed in on the situation.
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Hairston has been suspended indefinitely since June 5 when he and two passengers were arrested after being pulled over for speeding. During the traffic stop, police found a half-ounce of marijuana, a 9-millimeter handgun and a magazine with nine rounds of ammunition in the vehicle.
The case then took another twist when it was revealed that the car Hairston was arrested in was a rental under the name of Haydn Thomas, a convicted felon. Thomas claimed he doesn’t know Hairston, and that Miykael Faulcon, one of the passengers arrested with Hairston, had borrowed the car.
Here’s Williams’ statement in full:
”I initially decided not to make a statement about P.J. (Hairston) until the legal process had been finalized. I believe that is the fair way that everyone should be treated and is the way of our country.
”P.J. and I have had several discussions already and he knows he has made serious mistakes and there will be serious consequences as a result. Certainly the idea of suspending P.J. has been discussed. However, he is not currently enrolled in summer school, is not practicing with the team and we have no games until November. There are several options available in terms of discipline, but we are going to wait until the process is complete to decide on those options.
”Other issues have been written about recently that are disturbing and bother me deeply. Our basketball program is based on great ideals, and these issues are embarrassing. These are not common in my 10 years as head coach at UNC, and they will all be dealt with harshly and appropriately at the correct time to ensure that our program will not be compromised.
”We will care about each individual, but there will be serious actions taken that will fix these issues. I take pride in our values and how we have conducted ourselves for a long time here at Carolina, and this time will pass, but it will be dealt with strongly.
“We are talking about a program that has been a model of success on and off the court, and it will be again. I want to thank our fans for their patience, understanding and support.”
Hairston was the leading scorer for the Tar Heels last season at 14.6 points a game, but made the late decision not to leave school for the NBA Draft.
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