In 2023, Phillips was accused of covering up widespread hazing and sexual abuse in Northwestern University's football program. Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against Philips in litigation headed by noted civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump.[6] Despite Phillips involvement in the sex abuse scandal, The Atlantic Coast Conference has made no effort to investigate or punish Phillips.[7]
Personal life
The youngest of 10 children from a Catholic family, Phillips has been described by Sports Illustrated writer Pat Forde as "an emphatic Catholic" and "punctilious in the practice of worship". When working at the ACC's uptown Charlotte headquarters, he attends the 12:10 pm mass at a church within walking distance of the headquarters daily. He and his wife Laura, herself the youngest of seven children from a Chicago Catholic family, have five children.[8]