University of North Carolina Athletics
Ford Enters Treatment Facility
October 7, 1999 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 7, 1999
University of North Carolina assistant men's basketball coach Phil Ford has received several days of medical evaluation by health care professionals from the University's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program. As a result of this evaluation, Ford has entered a residential treatment facility that specializes in alcohol abuse. The length of Ford's stay at the undisclosed treatment facility will be determined by his progress based upon the evaluation of the on-site medical personnel.
Ford continues to be on medical leave while at the treatment center.
"Making sure Phil gets the help and strong support he needs right now is consistent with the best interests of not only Phil, but also the Department of Athletics and the University," Interim Chancellor William O. McCoy says. "We will carefully and thoughtfully evaluate his progress based on the best judgment of our medical experts."
Key members of the alcohol and substance abuse program, affiliated with the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals, conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Ford, says Dr. Robert Golden, who heads the department that administers the program.
The team of health care professionals that evaluated Ford has told University officials that Ford has embraced their recommendations to enter the treatment facility.
Head Coach Bill Guthridge, Director of Athletics Dick Baddour and McCoy have been closely monitoring Ford's status. Those efforts have included extensive discussions in recent days with the team of UNC health-care professionals who have been involved in formulating and recommending a recovery treatment program for Ford.
"Phil recognizes that this is an important, but only a first, step in moving toward recovery," says Guthridge. "We continue to support him as he deals with this disease. Phil has been an integral part of our program since he came to Chapel Hill 25 years ago.
"I look forward to his recovery," says Guthridge. "He is not just a colleague, but a special friend and I am 100 percent in his corner. (Assistant coaches) Dave Hanners and Pat Sullivan have been great this last week stepping up in Phil's absence."
Guthridge indicated he has no plans to hire an interim assistant coach in Coach Ford's absence.
"This is a positive step forward for Phil Ford," says Baddour. "I appreciate how the University community has been able to work together to find solutions and apply its resources to assist people in trying times.
"Phil Ford has been responsible for many positive achievements at the University and overall has been an outstanding representative and ambassador for this University and basketball program," says Baddour.
"There can be no question of his deep admiration for and commitment to this University. These are difficult times for him right now, but this is a step in the right direction."
