The Louisville basketball program is moving on from the Rick Pitino era.
After hiring David Padgett, the university effectively closed the door on Pitino only days after placing him on unpaid administrative leave. On Monday, the letters that the university sent the Louisville head basketball coach, as well as to vice president and athletic director Tom Jurich were obtained by WDRB.com
The letters they received are similarly worded, though the one sent to Jurich is more wide-ranging in his role for the violations that led to his dismissal.
An FBI investigation concluded that Pitino and Jurich played a role in paying top ranked high school athletes to Louisville. Colluding with adidas, the letter states that the finding were “disturbing and unprecedented.”
It continues to point the finger directly at Pitino and his staff:
“The allegations contained in the complaint insinuate a scheme of fraud and malfeasance in the recruitment of student-athletes involving you and multiple members of your coaching staff in violation of federal law and NCAA Division I Bylaws.”
Pitino says he intends to cooperate fully with the investigation, and believes that he will be absolved in the end. He has placed his home up for sale and intends to “lay low” until the investigation is complete.
Even if he is absolved, his coaching career could very well be over.
This is likely the scandal that broke the camel’s back.
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