Scandal follows Pitino to Iona
Rick Pitino is back on the ropes. The NCAA handed multiple Notices of Allegations against Louisville on Monday — stemming from the Cardinals’ 2017 Adidas pay-for-play scandal, which led to Pitino’s ouster after 16 seasons as coach — which could result in the recently hired Iona coach being suspended for as much as half the upcoming season. Though Pitino could also potentially face recruiting limitations, a source with knowledge of the situation doesn’t believe the coach will be subject to a show-cause penalty.
Pitino, who spent the past two years coaching in exile in Greece, could also end up serving no suspension at all, dependent on multiple factors. While Louisville faces one Level One allegation — the most serious — Pitino faces a Level Two allegation for “failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance,” citing the FBI’s discovery of a six-figure payment to top prospect Brian Bowen, as well as a thenpending ruling from the Committee on Infractions from Louisville’s 2015 escort scandal, which resulted in the vacating of the team’s 2013 national championship. Pitino was suspended for five games, but was fired before serving the punishment.
Pitino faces two aggravating factors, potentially “warranting a higher penalty,” according to the NOA. There is optimism Pitino could coach the season opener, given the lengthy process.
“I firmly disagree with this allegation and will follow through the protocols in addressing this allegation through the administrative process,” Pitino said in a statement. “Due to NCAA bylaws on public disclosure on enforcement issues, I will have no further comment on this matter until it is resolved.”
Following a decade of incredible success at Iona, Tim Cluess resigned for health-related reasons. Pitino, whose prominent Iona friends include school president Seamus Carey and top booster Robert LaPenta, was then offered a job so many programs wouldn’t have offered him.