Amid NCAA probe, Blake steps down at UNC

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -North Carolina says John Blake has resigned his position on coach Butch Davis' staff.

School officials said Sunday night that Blake's resignation was effective immediately. In a statement issued by the school, Blake said he stepped down because “my presence has become a distraction” to the university.

The NCAA has spent much of the summer investigating whether defensive lineman Marvin Austin and receiver Greg Little received improper benefits from agents. That probe has since expanded to include possible academic misconduct, and 13 players did not travel to Atlanta for Saturday night's game against LSU.

Also drawing the NCAA's interest is Blake's longtime friendship with California-based agent Gary Wichard.