ULAA Fires Rick Pitino For “Just Cause”

Mark BlankenbakerOctober 16, 2017

The University of Louisville Athletic Association has terminated former UofL Basketball Coach Rick Pitino for ‘just cause’. The vote was unamious to terminate Coach 2’s contract. Earlier in the day counsel for Pitino, Steve Pence, presented his case for Pitino to remain in place and continue at his post within the university.

Rick Pitino came to UofL on March 21, 2001 and was suspended on September 26, 2017 as UofL’s basketball program was one of many subjects of FBI probe. Louisville’s involvement came with the school orchestrating a pay for play scheme to land the services of uncommitted prospect Brian Bowen. Former Louisville assistant coach Jordan Fair orchestrated the negotiations with adidas representatives and financial advisors. The conversations were reportedly recorded by the FBI. As a result several arrests were made, Jordan Fair was terminated, Kenny Johnson is still serving suspension and now Rick Pitino has also lost his job after appealing his suspension.

Rick Pitino was 415-141 (.746) during his tenure at Louisville and coached the Cards from Conference USA, the Big East, American Athletic Conference and eventually the ACC. Pitino led the Cardinals to the 2005, 2012 and 2013 Final Fours and the 2013 National Championship. The 2013 title is currently under appeal as the NCAA’s committee of infractions ruled that Louisville must vacate the championship along with the 2012 Final Four appearance and other wins associated with the Katina Powell scandal.

Rick Pitino’s house is reportedly up for sale (possibly already under contract) and has been in Florida since his suspension.