Julius Peppers confirms his transcript was published, denies any academic fraud

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Former North Carolina football star Julius Peppers confirms it was his academic transcript that was posted on the university’s website and insists there was “no academic fraud” with it.

The Chicago Bears’ defensive end released a statement Saturday through his agent calling it “an upsetting and challenging week for me” after a link to the transcript surfaced earlier this week. He says he’s disappointed his privacy was violated.

School officials removed the link and say they can’t discuss confidential student information covered by federal privacy laws.

The link showed Peppers received some of his highest grades in classes in the Department of African and Afro-American Studies (AFAM). A school investigation has since found fraud and poor oversight in 54 AFAM classes between summer 2007 and summer 2011.