University of North Carolina Athletics
Bunting on Peppers' Possible Suspension
November 14, 2002 | Football
Nov. 14, 2002
According to several news reports, former North Carolina standout and current Carolina Panthers rookie Julius Peppers will be suspended for four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Peppers is appealing the suspension and will play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Asked after practice about Peppers' possible suspension, Tar Heel head coach John Bunting had the following comments:
"I know a little bit about the policies in the NFL and know that they are out there to protect the game and protect the players. I do know this about Julius Peppers, he is a great young man. He is not going to do something to jeopardize his family, himself or the Panthers' organization. If there was a mistake made, I'm sure it's going to be easily corrected. He's a fine young man and he's going to have a great career in the NFL.
He is somebody who has overcome an awful lot in his lifetime. He also has a gift. He understands that gift. He will work very hard to make everybody very proud of him - both the Carolina Panthers and this University. He's a true Tar Heel and I'm going to back him to the hilt."
Peppers was a unanimous All-America selection last year for the Tar Heels and was the winner of the Lombardi Award as the nation's top lineman. A leading contender for NFL Rookie of the Year honors, Peppers leads the NFL with 10 sacks.
