CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina coach Larry Fedora has apologized to Duke’s David Cutcliffe after his team’s celebration following the Tar Heels’ victory against the Blue Devils left the visiting locker room damaged by spray paint. The school also says it will pay for the cleanup.
“The celebration in there obviously got out of hand,” Fedora said during his Monday news conference. “I wish it wouldn’t have but it did.”
The rivalry winner traditionally paints its shade of blue on the Victory Bell. The Tar Heels began spray-painting the bell near the field as the clock expired in Thursday’s 45-20 road win, then rolled it to the locker room to continue the celebration.
Duke team spokesman Art Chase said damage was mostly to carpet, though paint was on an interior and exterior wall as well as in lockers, while “UNC” was written in at least one location.
In a joint statement, Fedora and athletic director Bubba Cunningham say UNC will pay “all costs associated with the cleanup” and they “expect our players to behave better in a way that is more befitting of the rivalry.”
Fedora said no players would be disciplined.
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