Rick Pitino doesn’t appear to be concerned about the NCAA bribery scandal which has cost him his job as Louisville basketball coach and led to the arrest of ten other suspects — including four current college basketball assistants.
In the FBI report that was released when the scandal first broke, it is believed that Pitino is “Coach-2.”
The report states “Coach-2” played a role in funneling $100,000 to the family of five-star recruit in exchange for a commitment. While those are serious allegations, Pitino is maintaining his innocence.
For Pitino’s part, he claims to have “(zero) to do with any of it and I’ll be vindicated,” according to the Courier-Journal.
Pitino continued, “Right now it’s in the lawyers’ hands. I went to Miami. I’m selling my house (in Louisville). I love David Padgett. I love the boys. I hope they win the national championship. I’m not doing anything but laying low.”
Padgett, Louisville’s athletic director, was also placed on unpaid administrative leave with the intent to fire.
It is important to note that Pitino has yet to be charged with any crime and he appears ready to fight any and all allegations.
This is just the beginning of the investigation, however, so it remains to be seen just how severe and widespread the recruiting and bribery scandal is in college basketball.
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