BREAKING: Former Four-Star Forward Zayden High Cleared to Return to UNC Roster After Suspension Over Academic Allegations
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a dramatic turn of events that has electrified Tar Heel Nation, former four-star forward Zayden High has officially been cleared to rejoin the University of North Carolina men’s basketball roster following a month-long suspension over academic integrity allegations. The announcement, made early Tuesday morning by the UNC Athletic Department, comes just days before the team’s overseas exhibition tour in Spain.
High, a 6’9″ sophomore forward from Spring Branch, Texas, had been sidelined since early June pending the outcome of an internal investigation into alleged academic misconduct stemming from the spring semester. Sources close to the university reveal the probe centered on a disputed group project in a Sociology course, where questions were raised about improper collaboration and the use of AI-generated content.
After weeks of speculation, tension, and silence from the coaching staff, UNC issued a statement saying that High had been “fully exonerated of any intentional wrongdoing.” According to the statement, the Honor Court determined that there was “insufficient evidence of individual misconduct” and emphasized the “need for clearer guidelines” regarding the use of emerging digital tools in collaborative coursework.
Head coach Hubert Davis, who had refrained from commenting during the suspension, spoke with visible relief during Tuesday’s impromptu press conference at the Dean Smith Center.
“We are thrilled to have Zayden back with the team,” Davis said. “He has handled this situation with maturity beyond his years, continued to train, and supported his teammates from the sidelines. Now, he’s ready to return and contribute.”
High was visibly emotional but composed when he stepped up to the podium.
“I knew the truth would come out,” he said. “It’s been tough—waking up every day not knowing if my season, my future, or my reputation would be taken from me. But I kept my head down, trusted the process, and I’m just thankful to be back.”
Regarded as one of the most promising stretch forwards in the ACC, High averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in limited minutes last season but was projected for a breakout sophomore year after reportedly adding 15 pounds of muscle during offseason training. His absence had left a noticeable gap in UNC’s frontcourt depth, especially with the graduation of Armando Bacot and the NBA departure of Harrison Ingram.
The return of High injects new energy into a Tar Heels squad looking to reassert itself as a national contender after a rollercoaster 2024 campaign. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation on social media, with #ZayIsBack trending within minutes of the announcement.
Though the incident may spark broader discussions around academic standards and athlete support in the age of AI, for now, Chapel Hill is breathing a sigh of relief. Zayden High is back, focused, and ready to rise.
“Adversity builds character,” High said with a determined look. “This just lit a fire in me. I’m coming back stronger than ever.”
