CHAPEL HILL — University of North Carolina chancellor Holden Thorp told the school’s Board of Trustees today that the sanctions UNC self-imposed on its football program show that the school is accepting responsibility for NCAA violations but also give athletes every opportunity for success.

Thorp and Board of Trustees chair Wade Hargrove also reiterated their support for the football program in the wake of an NCAA investigation in its 16th month and the July firing of coach Butch Davis.

“I wish to assure everyone that the Board of Trustees and this chancellor are fully committed to having a highly competitive football program,” Hargrove said at this morning’s trustee meeting. “ ... The Board of Trustees is equally passionate about and committed to compliance."

Hargrove said it’s possible to win while complying with NCAA rules. Hargrove and Thorp also both addressed UNC’s probe of irregularities in the African and Afro-American Studies department.

Julius Nyang’oro has resigned as department head as UNC reviews independent studies courses after issues arose regarding football players taking classes in the department.

“You have my pledge that we will do what it takes to correct any problems,” Thorp said.

UNC on Monday announced that it is self-imposing two years of probation, reducting three scholarships each for the next three years, vacating three scholarships in each of the next three years, vacating its eight wins each in the 2008 and 2009 seasons, and paying a $50,000 fine.

The Committee on Infractions, which is holding a hearing for UNC on Oct. 28 in Indianapolis, will decide whether to add more punishment for the football program’s nine major violations.