Time for Coach Pitino to fall on the sword

[Knucklehank1]

As part of settlement with NCAA, I would expect Coach Pitino to do the honorable thing and resign. This hopefully will help soften the blow to the university. He may not have known one thing about this stuff, but he is culpable for allowing and hiring knuckleheads around the program.

When you have guys like Andre McGee, Tim Fuller, Wyking Jones, T-Will, coaching or hanging around the program, then you have to call in question Pitino's judgment. Also recruiting bad seeds like Chane, Ware, Lyle, Blakeney in addition to the large number of transfers just shows a disconnect between he and his staff.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

It's a bad look. Can't argue w/ you Hank.

I don't think it matters what Rick does though.

You've been complaining for quite some time about the program while it's been winning so it will be interesting to see how you handle this.

 

[ShortCreek]

Ok. Some of your thoughts I'm on board with but how is it that all the guys you name are "bad seeds"? While some of them could be, is everyone else signing angels dropped from heaven? I think not. While we are the ones currently under the microscope (and deservedly so) are you telling me Izzo, Cal and Coach K don't take chances? Hell, are you telling me that Wall, Cousins, the Harrison twins are all Eagle Scouts? While Rick may have to eventually take the fall let's rip him for his coaching hires not the recruits he goes after. If you want choir boys for recruits we need to drop to D-III.

 

[Louisvillian]

I'm just fine with it if Rick decides he wants to enjoy an early retirement but I am not going to ask a Hall of Fame coach who has an impeccable record as a coach, as a mentor and especially with NCAA compliance over this garbage unless you can tell me he knew about it.

He is ultimately responsible for what goes on with the program but can we at least let all the facts come out before asking a man to stop doing what he loves for a living?

Hang in there Rick.

 

[Knucklehank1]

Ok. Some of your thoughts I'm on board with but how is it that all the guys you name are "bad seeds"? While some of them could be, is everyone else signing angels dropped from heaven? I think not. While we are the ones currently under the microscope (and deservedly so) are you telling me Izzo, Cal and Coach K don't take chances? Hell, are you telling me that Wall, Cousins, the Harrison twins are all Eagle Scouts? While Rick may have to eventually take the fall let's rip him for his coaching hires not the recruits he goes after. If you want choir boys for recruits we need to drop to D-III.

I don't think UofL should measure itself against the lowest common denominator of other programs.

 

[Knucklehank1]

ram while

It's a bad look. Can't argue w/ you Hank.

I don't think it matters what Rick does though.

You've been complaining for quite some time about the program while it's been winning so it will be interesting to see how you handle this.

For a long while I've had concerns about the player transfers and the curious recruiting of guys such as JaQuan Lyle. Yes, I've aired complaints about the program, but I certainly always have been a big fan of UofL and will continue to. When you invest in something financially (lots of expensive tickets) and personally (time, traveling to games, encouraging my wife and children to be fans), it is a real punch in the gut though.

 

[cardfaninmemphis]

Pitino survived the ugliness of 2009. As more facts come out, I don't know if he will be able to get through this one. If the director of basketball operations reports to the head coach, then Pitino will have some accountability for this, even if he did not know about it.

 

[Louisvillian]

I don't think UofL should measure itself against the lowest common denominator of other programs.

If you enjoy the Final Fours, Sugar Bowls and National Championships you are going to have to accept a few talented knuckleheads. The trick is for the coaches and administrators to present them as choirboys so the fans can stay happy and supportive.

If you want to label them bad seeds that's your opinion but for every David Padgett there is a Chane Behanen, for every Lorenzo Mauldin there is a Devonte Fields and for every Peyton Siva there is an Andre McGee

 

[CardVille]

Its like the mafia, you are responsible for the guy you vouch for.

 

[nccardfan]

Unfortunately I agree with card fan in Memphis. Under the NCAA bylaws a coach has to demonstrate an atmosphere of compliance and is the responsible party. The director of basketball operations clearly falls under this category....

 

[Knucklehank1]

If you enjoy the Final Fours, Sugar Bowls and National Championships you are going to have to accept a few talented knuckleheads. The trick is for the coaches and administrators to present them as choirboys so the fans can stay happy and supportive.

If you want to label them bad seeds that's your opinion but for every David Padgett there is a Chane Behanen, for every Lorenzo Mauldin there is a Devonte Fields and for every Peyton Siva there is an Andre McGee

I don't think illegal, immoral or unethical behavior especially from staff members needs to be a by-product of success.

 

[zipp]

A lot of judgmental smearing of people in this thread whom I haven't heard have been convicted of anything except that people like knuckles don't like 'em.

All we know at this point is that a whore has accused U of L of engaging whores in their occupation, that McGee is the focal point, and that info was leaked today from what was supposed to have been a confidential interview in an NCAA investigation. If anyone knows more than that factually, please add it to this thread.

Or you guys can throw raw meat to knuckles through the bars...

 

[CardVille]

Did the NCAA say Lyles flipped or just a "source"? Is it possible this "source" is lying about the testimony?

 

[shadow force]

Did the NCAA say Lyles flipped or just a "source"? Is it possible this "source" is lying about the testimony?

According to the actual article:

a source with knowledge of the NCAA's investigation told CBS Sports on Thursday morning.

"He told the truth," the source said."

NCAA didn't say this information.

 

[SoundSlave]

I've never liked that guy, but as long as he wins I tolerate him. I'm trying to wait and see how much he knew about what was going on but Rick might want to start thinking about early retirement.
Even if Rick is "innocent" in all of this, the toll this is going to take on recruiting is significant. The damage is already done.

 

[ULarder]

I've been waiting to see what facts actually come out, but at this point it looks like some version of "entertainment" occurred. But when you strip it down (sorry couldn't resist) isn't it just an "extra benefit" case with the benefit being a small amount ($50-$250) provided by a young assistant not much older than the recruits. If it occurred, was it stupid? Yes? Was it illegal? Yes, but so is underage drinking by 18-20 year old college students; and nobody gets all self-righteous about that. Was it immoral? Well, that's subjective and irrelevant. Two consenting adults not hurting anyone else (or even themselves) have to decide for themselves what is moral or not for them individually. Basically, my point is that this isn't the kind of thing where Rick needs to fall on any sword. It's obviously the type of salaciousness the media loves, and juveniles snicker about. But, if Roy Williams and UNC can go on with impunity for the worst, most massive college basketball scandal in history - one that actually cheated and took advantage of the players themselves - I think Rick and UL are going to be fine in the end here.

 

[J-Rye_UL]

I don't think you can survive 2 sex scandals of this magnitude and still be an effective recruiter and representative of the University of Louisville. In the statement James Ramsey released today, he was 100% supportive of Tom Jurich. No mention of Rick Pitino. I'm prepared for the possiblity that Pitino may not survive this.

 

[Louisvillian]

I don't think illegal, immoral or unethical behavior especially from staff members needs to be a by-product of success.

I don't believe it has to be a by product it's just simple numbers. You can recruit 100 talented kids and if 95 of them are model citizens on campus you deserve a medal. Rick Pitino's record has been stellar in that respect.

I've heard a lot of people on the local radio stations say we should "clean house". Would that include our beloved AD Tom Jurich who is (rightfully) loyal to Rick? Where do you stop when you want the bad news to quit embarrassing you as a fan.

If it is determined people employed by the university broke NCAA rules then we will have to pay a price and deservedly so. Until then, buck up.

Call me leary of the morality police. Sorry, but when up to 35% of female students on college campuses say that they have been sexually assaulted in the last year I'm not going to get to righteous about 1 knucklehead and his hiring some professional bimbos.

 

[Sec221]

Are you people smoking crack?

The story has yet to be collaborated. Wait and see, I have a feeling something is amiss.

 

[J-Rye_UL]

Are you people smoking crack?

The story has yet to be collaborated. Wait and see, I have a feeling something is amiss.

I think everyone agrees something about this isn't right. The creation of a new LLC to publish the book. The recreated texts. The supposed evidence they left out of the book. The funding coming from a major IU booster. The fact McGee no longer worked for UofL when Blakeney visited. Etc, etc, etc. The thing is, all it takes is one piece of this story to be confirmed true before the perception becomes reality. Throw a hundred darts and if even one sticks then UofL is screwed. There were so many holes in this story that I wasn't all that worried about it. And then this Jaquan Lyle thing came out. That alone means people that hate UofL are in for a real treat.

 

[Knucklehank1]

I think everyone agrees something about this isn't right. The creation of a new LLC to publish the book. The recreated texts. The supposed evidence they left out of the book. The funding coming from a major IU booster. The fact McGee no longer worked for UofL when Blakeney visited. Etc, etc, etc. The thing is, all it takes is one piece of this story to be confirmed true before the perception becomes reality. Throw a hundred darts and if even one sticks then UofL is screwed. There were so many holes in this story that I wasn't all that worried about it. And then this Jaquan Lyle thing came out. That alone means people that hate UofL are in for a real treat.

The problem is that McGee appears to have opened the door to illegal behavior in the eyes of the NCAA. You can pick away at the sides of this store, but unfortunately the main meat is still on the bone.

 

[zipp]

I don't think you can survive 2 sex scandals of this magnitude and still be an effective recruiter and representative of the University of Louisville...

Syracuse's and Carolina's programs haven't missed a beat recruiting-wise...

 

[Da_Bull]

Don't worry, Chuck Smrt is a good man. IU graduate and former IU football player, he'll get to the bottom of this.

 

[-BBH-]

Just a thought/question. . .If this were UK and Cal, would you expect Cal to step aside and for the NCAA to come down on them?

Still a lot of facts to come out, but if recruits continue to collaborate the story. . .it could get worse.

Hopefully, at the very least, CRP can be found of no wrong doing, take the high road and retire only being of guilty of giving former players the benefit of the doubt. He's always, to a fault, tried to help former players and unfortunately this time it looks to have bit him in the butt.

 

[J-Rye_UL]

Syracuse's and Carolina's programs haven't missed a beat recruiting-wise...

Nothing has come down on Carolina yet. Syracuse will be lucky to make the tournament this season, after being forced to sit out last year. The 3 situations are all unique. As a parent, I'd be hesitant to send my kid to play for an administration where prostitution was provided for players.

 

[J-Rye_UL]

Just a thought/question. . .If this were UK and Cal, would you expect Cal to step aside and for the NCAA to come down on them?

Still a lot of facts to come out, but if recruits continue to collaborate the story. . .it could get worse.

Hopefully, at the very least, CRP can be found of no wrong doing, take the high road and retire only being of guilty of giving former players the benefit of the doubt. He's always, to a fault, tried to help former players and unfortunately this time it looks to have bit him in the butt.

Calipari has nothing to do with this.

If this were the first stain on a coaches record, I don't think it warrants stepping down. But this is not the first time UofL has been drug through the mud during Pitino's time here. I have to imagine Ramsey and Jurich are frustrated with Pitino and his staff at this point in the game.

 

[cardfaninmemphis]

I think there is too much here for all of it to be false. It could be one isolated incident that somebody is trying to turn into something bigger. I don't see McGee getting out of this totally clean.

 

[zipp]

Nothing has come down on Carolina yet. Syracuse will be lucky to make the tournament this season, after being forced to sit out last year. The 3 situations are all unique. As a parent, I'd be hesitant to send my kid to play for an administration where prostitution was provided for players.

Whether Carolina makes the tourney ain't the issue. They're still inking 4-star kids. You're also overlaying your value set on the situation. To hear it from the "book", some of the kids' FATHERS participated.

Obviously, I'm not saying that's right...

 

[Sec221]

Someone found a molehill and systematically turned into a mountain like an illusionist. After all the smoke has cleared, it still will be a molehill.

 

[shamcard]

According to the actual article:

a source with knowledge of the NCAA's investigation told CBS Sports on Thursday morning.

"He told the truth," the source said."

NCAA didn't say this information.

At this point, how does anyone know the truth. If Lyle said he was on campus at UL at or about the time the book said he was on campus that could be considered truth. I would expect UL records could confirm that. Beyond that, what is the "truth", and, what investigator would use that term (if she did) this early in the process.

 

[T-Bone74]

I don't care what other schools are doing…..I'm sorry that I don't want strippers and escort allegations around our program.

 

[shadow force]

At this point, how does anyone know the truth. If Lyle said he was on campus at UL at or about the time the book said he was on campus that could be considered truth. I would expect UL records could confirm that. Beyond that, what is the "truth", and, what investigator would use that term (if she did) this early in the process.

Right. Also forgot to add this part from the article that Lyle confirmed "the gist" of allegations.....

What does that even mean? What did he confirm and what truth did he tell? We don't know yet.

 

[Sec221]

Right now, the NCAA also has a problem with that "leak". It puts into question their ability to conduct an investigation without having the raw results made public.

The investigation has been now tainted by the leak.

 

[Knucklehank1]

Right now, the NCAA also has a problem with that "leak". It puts into question their ability to conduct an investigation without having the raw results made public.

The investigation has been now tainted by the leak.

Ok, who is going to challenge the NCAA because of the leak?

 

[Sec221]

Ok, who is going to challenge the NCAA because of the leak?

If there is an issue that arises, the NCAA drops the findings. Wouldn't be worth the legal challenge.

The school would challenge if all of the sudden stories started to change and every one started to agree and sound the same. It would be an obvious pattern.

 

[Knucklehank1]

If there is an issue that arises, the NCAA drops the findings. Wouldn't be worth the legal challenge.

The school would challenge if all of the sudden stories started to change and every one started to agree and sound the same. It would be an obvious pattern.

I appreciate your effort, but you must be worn out from grasping at straws

 

[KerryRhodes]

I appreciate your effort, but you must be worn out from grasping at straws

And you probably thought Chris was guilty also.

Innocent until proven.......guilty.

You're a hell of a Cards fan.

 

[REDFISTFURY3]

Time to take off the red colored glasses this situation is totally screwed up. On all levels Coaches,Support staff, former players, and any player that might have known this crap went on and didn't say anything to coach Pitino" according to him." Can't blame any recruit for this stupid crap . It's Andre and whomever else might have been involved.
And anybody who thinks Louisville basketball will not suffer from this is just being stupid. Present team will have a lame duck coach this season if he makes it . Their is no way in hell CRP, can coach this team with the same energy and fire with all this hanging around. I expect this season will be his last.

Ok Eric Crawford(uk fan) got a interview and accusations from a former player who?

 

[Sec221]

I appreciate your effort, but you must be worn out from grasping at straws

You lost me?

The NCAA has to protect the integrity of their investigations or the result would be invalid.

As for the other part, if an investigation findings are leaked and a pattern develops within the answers after the leak has occurred, the investigation has been compromised and the integrity has been breached.

Either one would result in a breach of contract with the member school and legal action would most certainly happen if the NCAA did not drop the investigation knowing they had invalid results.

As for the Lyle leak, they will review the press release to see if it did compromise their findings. If it did, they'll note it and move on to the next interview.

Once the interview is over, they'll compare the findings and look for a pattern. If it matches one where it looks like there was a violation of the rules, they'll write it up and forward it for a response.

If an obvious pattern emerges that appears to resembles the Lyle interview leak, they'll report their finding and either dismiss it or start the investigation all over if feasible.

Not all investigations result in penalties or dismissal for lack of evidence. Some just never make it past certain stages of the investigation for whatever reason.

 

[Cardiotonic]

And you probably thought Chris was guilty also.

Innocent until proven.......guilty.

You're a hell of a Cards fan.

LOL