This opinion that Pitino got off scot-free is utterly wrong...

[zipp]

As we speak, he's $37 million +/- in the hole. Yes, that number will probably be reduced, but in all likelihood it will be millions.

Pitino's radioactive as far as getting another P5 coaching job, and he obviously wants to stay in college. Sure, he can perhaps go back to Providence or Rutgers or a program that's borderline irrelevant. And that's if an NCAA show-cause ruling doesn't completely block him from ANY NCAA program for what amounts to eternity for him. Does he really wanna go back to the NBA?...I doubt it.

He's now a pariah in the town in which he wanted to retire at least part time, close to friendships he developed over nearly three decades. And he's away from Churchill Downs which was the focus of a lot of his entertainment time. The personal lives of his family including the Minardis have been seriously impacted; they carry a lot of his baggage esp. if they share the "Pitino" name.

Suffice to say, he's probably also lost or severely compromised the friendship he had with Jurich, the guy he respected as much professionally as anyone in his life. I'd be surprised if Jurich has much to say to Pitino for a long time.

Everywhere else Pitino goes, he's pretty much Darth Vader. It would be a decade before he could outlive most of that, and he'll be mid-70s or dead by then. It wouldn't shock me at all to hear in the next few years that he's contracted some type of serious illness.

Anyone who thinks "poor me, poor us, that ba$tard" is too wrapped up in their own life to see things as they are. Pitino will never want for food to eat nor probably the love of his family. But it's hard to comprehend how much his life has changed for the worse and so quickly...

 

[STLNBSE]

He tarnished his reputation and legacy and many friendships and who knows what else. Everyone pays for their actions.

 

[Chapman123]

As we speak, he's $37 million +/- in the hole. Yes, that number will probably be reduced, but in all likelihood it will be millions.

Pitino's radioactive as far as getting another P5 coaching job, and he obviously wants to stay in college. Sure, he can perhaps go back to Providence or Rutgers or a program that's borderline irrelevant. And that's if an NCAA show-cause ruling doesn't completely block him from ANY NCAA program for what amounts to eternity for him. Does he really wanna go back to the NBA?...I doubt it.

He's now a pariah in the town in which he wanted to retire at least part time, close to friendships he developed over nearly three decades. And he's away from Churchill Downs which was the focus of a lot of his entertainment time. The personal lives of his family including the Minardis have been seriously impacted; they carry a lot of his baggage esp. if they share the "Pitino" name.

Suffice to say, he's probably also lost or severely compromised the friendship he had with Jurich, the guy he respected as much professionally as anyone in his life. I'd be surprised if Jurich has much to say to Pitino for a long time.

Everywhere else Pitino goes, he's pretty much Darth Vader. It would be a decade before he could outlive most of that, and he'll be mid-70s or dead by then. It wouldn't shock me at all to hear in the next few years that he's contracted some type of serious illness.

Anyone who thinks "poor me, poor us, that ba$tard" is too wrapped up in their own life to see things as they are. Pitino will never want for food to eat nor probably the love of his family. But it's hard to comprehend how much his life has changed for the worse and so quickly...

He deserves all of that

 

[ciswilldean3215]

"Everything comes to the light, and eventually they'll see!" ZIpp, my guy, no one feels sorry for this asshole! If he wasn't so damn arrogant, maybe we wouldn't be making these posts! NO ONE is going to feel sorry for Pitino losing a few bucks, let it go buddy. His life changed for the worst because of decisions HE made! You sound like a parent covering for a spoiled brat instead of giving them consequences!

As we speak, he's $37 million +/- in the hole. Yes, that number will probably be reduced, but in all likelihood it will be millions.

Pitino's radioactive as far as getting another P5 coaching job, and he obviously wants to stay in college. Sure, he can perhaps go back to Providence or Rutgers or a program that's borderline irrelevant. And that's if an NCAA show-cause ruling doesn't completely block him from ANY NCAA program for what amounts to eternity for him. Does he really wanna go back to the NBA?...I doubt it.

He's now a pariah in the town in which he wanted to retire at least part time, close to friendships he developed over nearly three decades. And he's away from Churchill Downs which was the focus of a lot of his entertainment time. The personal lives of his family including the Minardis have been seriously impacted; they carry a lot of his baggage esp. if they share the "Pitino" name.

Suffice to say, he's probably also lost or severely compromised the friendship he had with Jurich, the guy he respected as much professionally as anyone in his life. I'd be surprised if Jurich has much to say to Pitino for a long time.

Everywhere else Pitino goes, he's pretty much Darth Vader. It would be a decade before he could outlive most of that, and he'll be mid-70s or dead by then. It wouldn't shock me at all to hear in the next few years that he's contracted some type of serious illness.

Anyone who thinks "poor me, poor us, that ba$tard" is too wrapped up in their own life to see things as they are. Pitino will never want for food to eat nor probably the love of his family. But it's hard to comprehend how much his life has changed for the worse and so quickly...

 

[gocds]

As we speak, he's $37 million +/- in the hole. Yes, that number will probably be reduced, but in all likelihood it will be millions.

Pitino's radioactive as far as getting another P5 coaching job, and he obviously wants to stay in college. Sure, he can perhaps go back to Providence or Rutgers or a program that's borderline irrelevant. And that's if an NCAA show-cause ruling doesn't completely block him from ANY NCAA program for what amounts to eternity for him. Does he really wanna go back to the NBA?...I doubt it.

He's now a pariah in the town in which he wanted to retire at least part time, close to friendships he developed over nearly three decades. And he's away from Churchill Downs which was the focus of a lot of his entertainment time. The personal lives of his family including the Minardis have been seriously impacted; they carry a lot of his baggage esp. if they share the "Pitino" name.

Suffice to say, he's probably also lost or severely compromised the friendship he had with Jurich, the guy he respected as much professionally as anyone in his life. I'd be surprised if Jurich has much to say to Pitino for a long time.

Everywhere else Pitino goes, he's pretty much Darth Vader. It would be a decade before he could outlive most of that, and he'll be mid-70s or dead by then. It wouldn't shock me at all to hear in the next few years that he's contracted some type of serious illness.

Anyone who thinks "poor me, poor us, that ba$tard" is too wrapped up in their own life to see things as they are. Pitino will never want for food to eat nor probably the love of his family. But it's hard to comprehend how much his life has changed for the worse and so quickly...

Zipp I believe he brought all of this upon himself. Whether it was because of his megalomania or because we and his “friend” Tom Jurich were too easy to take advantage of doesn’t matter any longer. It’s tough not to feel sympathy for him but I really don’t as you said, he has a bunch of material stuff, including money. But in my own effort toward transparency, I actually supported him after the Sypher and Minardi Hall fiascos and I regret that. I do believe in forgiveness but that should have come from his family and his Lord. Actually I can forgive him for his shortcomings but we still should have ditched him back in those days. He had to know that this kid showing up in June smelled to high heaven and he did nothing about it. Pretty simple if you ask me. In retrospect he should have said NO to this kid and then cleaned up his staff. But that’s not what he did and it will cost us dearly.

GO CARDS - BEAT EVERYBODY!!! God Bless America!!!

 

[Knucklehank1]

Let’s see what he says today. So far he’s shown little contrition and deflects blame like several posters on here.

 

[Dore95]

His story is certainly a "tragedy" in the literary sense and it is understandable to have some sympathy for him because he is a ruined man. But I certainly don't feel sorry for Pitino because he's lost millions in salary. Most employees don't have employment contracts. I don't have one and could be fired today. Pitino's argument that the university should continue to pay him through the end of his contract is repugnant under the circumstances. I mean, this program has never been at a lower position and his leadership (or lack thereof) is to blame.

 

[Cue Card]

As we speak, he's $37 million +/- in the hole. Yes, that number will probably be reduced, but in all likelihood it will be millions.

Pitino's radioactive as far as getting another P5 coaching job, and he obviously wants to stay in college. Sure, he can perhaps go back to Providence or Rutgers or a program that's borderline irrelevant. And that's if an NCAA show-cause ruling doesn't completely block him from ANY NCAA program for what amounts to eternity for him. Does he really wanna go back to the NBA?...I doubt it.

He's now a pariah in the town in which he wanted to retire at least part time, close to friendships he developed over nearly three decades. And he's away from Churchill Downs which was the focus of a lot of his entertainment time. The personal lives of his family including the Minardis have been seriously impacted; they carry a lot of his baggage esp. if they share the "Pitino" name.

Suffice to say, he's probably also lost or severely compromised the friendship he had with Jurich, the guy he respected as much professionally as anyone in his life. I'd be surprised if Jurich has much to say to Pitino for a long time.

Everywhere else Pitino goes, he's pretty much Darth Vader. It would be a decade before he could outlive most of that, and he'll be mid-70s or dead by then. It wouldn't shock me at all to hear in the next few years that he's contracted some type of serious illness.

Anyone who thinks "poor me, poor us, that ba$tard" is too wrapped up in their own life to see things as they are. Pitino will never want for food to eat nor probably the love of his family. But it's hard to comprehend how much his life has changed for the worse and so quickly...

Who really gives a damn? Regardless of whether he gets all, some or none of the 37 million, he is still rich and plenty old enough to retire with no worries at all for money going forward. I won't shed a single crocodile tear for Mr. Pitino. In spite of what happened, he is still a rich man with a very nice life. WHO here really gives a damn if he got off scot-free or not? The only thing hurt is his pride and his personal coaching record. I think he'll survive.

 

[MikeMcCammon]

Not being paid for work he is not going to be doing is not punishment.

 

[CardAlum07]

Rick's story is truly a tragedy in the literary sense and although I agree he will live out the rest of his days just fine, what he could have had as a life is now gone. Although, he should take accountability for his part in these events that have transpired (even if he never truly knew he is responsible for the conduct of his direct reports) part of this story is a reflection of the Commonwealth (ALL basketball loving parts of it). There are many things he has done to tarnish his reputation but it wouldn't be there to begin with if not for all the great successes he has brought this state (and for that I have and continue to give him his due in that regard).

UK was fairly desperate in looking to find a way out of troubled waters and back to the prominence of what they were before. They stood behind Rick as he helped guide the ship back to the promised land....if there was no Rick...what would have become of the program?

When he came here to UofL, we too were looking for a program to return back to what was before and thirsted for success. He provided that...in spades.

The fan base hear in regards to basketball is unlike any other. We are the top market year after year. If Men's basketball was an empire, this state would be Rome (with Louisville, I'd argue for media reasons, being the Colosseum). We're insatiable at times (both UK/UofL) and have expectation that often defy logic. I've had the distinct pleasure of getting to meet many a diehard fan from both sides...and most generally love the thrill of winning and besting our competition above all else when it gets right down to it.

Although likely not a popular opinion, Rick wasn't necessarily the coach this state needed but he most certainly was the coach we deserved. I think the real question is, as at the end of the day, were we (as a state) not entertained?

 

[zipp]

I don't think any of you understand my point... Nowhere in the OP do I say "poor Rick". It's my attempt at a factual account of how his life has changed for the worse AS MOST OF YOU WANT TO SEE. And I probably read from at least a half dozen posters yesterday about how unfair it was that Rick escaped justice. That POV with all due respect is flawed and oblivious to reality. Whoever says it is simply being emotional and self centered.

And I tried to call attention to other innocents in the picture like his family who have also been seriously impacted. I've seen little or no recognition of that from anyone, and that's also a lack of awareness.

This is truly a situation where everyone has been affected. As usual, I slept like a baby last nite because ish doesn't get to me. But maybe it takes that somewhat emotionless perspective to understand what has gone on here. It's not that Rick has screwed you over and is dancing away happy and rich. If that fairy tale is what you choose, please live in it quietly and without commentary...

 

[Cue Card]

Nowhere in the OP do I say "poor Rick". It's my attempt at a factual account of how his life has changed for the worse

That statement contradicts itself. His life has not changed for the worse. He is 'retired' and still rich and will probably end up with millions more to put in his bank account for breach of contract. If that is his life changing for the worse, then PLEASE someone, ANYONE, PLEASE change my life like that. I want it to be worse too.

 

[MikeMcCammon]

I don't think any of you understand my point... Nowhere in the OP do I say "poor Rick". It's my attempt at a factual account of how his life has changed for the worse AS MOST OF YOU WANT TO SEE.

His life has definitely changed but he still is extremely wealthy, has his family, and can live a very satisfying and comfortable life. The thing he doesn't have now is the type of job that satisfies his massive ego and need to be adored by a large fan base. And I can't feel sorry for him because whatever he has today is completely of his own making.

 

[zipp]

That statement contradicts itself. His life has not changed for the worse. He is 'retired' and still rich and will probably end up with millions more to put in his bank account for breach of contract. If that is his life changing for the worse, then PLEASE someone, ANYONE, PLEASE change my life like that. I want it to be worse too.

Why don't we observe or ask him how great he feels with all of that money and free time? I'm guessing you won't get an answer that supports your POV...

 

[Cue Card]

Why don't we observe or ask him how great he feels with all of that money and free time? I'm guessing you won't get an answer that supports your POV...

I'm certain I wouldn't get any type of answer to support my POV, but then again, it is all about perspective. I get what you were saying and if I were standing in his shoes, I would probably feel a wee bit empty about now. Still doesn't change the fact he's a very rich man, and got that way by coaching a game. Only in America!!