Gag Order Keeps Crum From Media, Report Says

Shirley Crum, wife of former North Carolina head football coach Dick Crum, says a buy-out agreement with the school includes a gag order between her husband and the media, a newspaper reported Wednesday.

Crum, the winningest football coach in the school’s history, announced his resignation Monday night.

“Part of the agreement is that Dick cannot talk to the media,” Shirley Crum told The Fayetteville Times by telephone from her Chapel Hill home.

UNC Athletic Director John Swofford did not return calls. But Dick Baddour, UNC associate athletic director, said he didn’t know of any such stipulation.

“I am not aware of any such agreement on that,” Baddour said. “My understanding is that the joint statement that was submitted Monday is going to be his statement and the university statement.”

Crum, who has remained silent on his resignation, effective Jan. 31, would not comment, his secretary said.

Crum, Swofford and UNC Chancellor Christopher Fordham released a joint statement Monday announcing Crum’s resignation after 10 years as head coach.

UNC officials said Crum will be paid an initial $400,000 and $100,000 per year over the 4 years that remain on his 10-year contract. Crum’s 10 assistants also have had contracts since July that will be fully honored, according to the school.

Asked about her husband’s plans, Shirley Crum said: “Today is the day not to even ask me. We’re extremely disturbed about what has gone on. It’s more than a trying position. . . . The two of us are just exhausted. We just need some time together and time to work out a few things.”

Swofford on Tuesday named a seven-member search committee that will head efforts to find a replacement for Crum.