University Of Louisville Coach Rick Pitino Charged By NCAA Over His Team’s Hooker Scandal

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Remember that whole scandal involving University of Louisville basketball players allegedly having hookers in their dorm? On Thursday, the NCAA officially dropped the hammer on the program and more specifically on Rick Pitino.

As you may recall, former escort Katina Powell released a book called Breaking Cardinal Rules in 2015 which alleged that she was paid to have sex with players by director of basketball operations Andre McGee.

Rick Pitino, for his part, has denied having any knowledge of this happening and McGee no longer works at Louisville.

According to TMZ

The NCAA determined Powell was telling the truth — and claim former director of basketball operations Andre McGee paid more than $5,400 for adult entertainment and sex acts for at least 17 UL players and recruits from 2010 to 2014.

McGee was hit with 2 charges — including arranging the entertainment and failing to cooperate with the NCAA investigation, both considered “severe” breaches of conduct.

As for Pitino — he was charged with failure to frequently spot-check the program — including looking for red flags and asking pointed questions … basically failing to monitor the program.

Pitino’s alleged violation is also considered “severe” and could result in a suspension.

Last year, Jim Boeheim of Syracuse and Larry Brown of SMU were both suspended nine games for “failure to monitor.”

Acting university president Dr. Neville Pinto and athletic director Tom Jurich issued this statement with regard to the charges…

“We believe that Mr. McGee acted furtively and note that the NOA does not indicate that any other university employee besides Mr. McGee had knowledge of these activities,” the statement reads. “We are confident in Coach Pitino and we know he is and always has been committed to NCAA compliance.”

Pitino is expected to appeal and Louisville hopes that its self-imposed penalties of a postseason ban, cutting scholarships and limiting its recruiting access will be a sufficient enough penalty.