Roberts declined to comment on the roles Rubio, Tillis and Berger played in greasing the wheels for Belichick but said he's "been really pleased with the support we've gotten across the board."

UNC System president Peter Hans said, in a statement: "I urge patience while the issue is addressed, and I’m hopeful this will ultimately produce a healthy conversation about the benefits of university research to America's competitiveness while ensuring accountability to the taxpayers."