Louisville Receives NCAA Notice of Allegations

On Monday, the University of Louisville received a notice of allegations from the NCAA. These include one Level I allegation involving improper recruiting regarding former signee Brian Bowman II and the coach of another prospect. Also, three Level II allegations were made, including one against former head basketball coach Rick Pitino.
The NCAA is accusing Pitino of not creating an atmosphere of compliance involving the actions of his coaching staff. Two assistant coaches, Kenny Johnson and Jordan Fair, are accused of providing improper benefits to a recruit.
Louisville has 90 days to respond to these charges. Athletic director Vince Tyra and school president Neeli Bendapudi said they were reviewing these allegations in an official statement from the school.
“It is important to remember that these are allegations — not facts — and the University will diligently prepare a full and comprehensive response and, absent an unforeseen development, submit it within the prescribed ninety-day period,” the Louisville statement said. “For those allegations that are proven to be factual, the University will take responsibility, as accountability is one of our core Cardinal Principles.
“However, we will not hesitate to push back where the evidence does not support the NCAA’s interpretations or allegations of charges. U of L has a right and a responsibility to stand up for itself when faced with unfair or unfounded charges and will always act in the best interests of the institution. Our legal team has begun the process of reviewing the Notice and will prepare a thorough response on behalf of the University.”
Pitino’s Reaction
Pitino spent his time after Louisville coaching in Greece, then recently received the head coaching job at Iona. School administrators said that they are aware of the report.
“Prior to hiring Coach Pitino, we conducted extensive due diligence. We support Coach Pitino and expect him to respond within the process,” Iona said in a statement.
Pitino also responded against the allegations.
“I firmly disagree with this allegation and will follow the protocols in addressing this allegation through the administrative process. Due to NCAA bylaws on public disclosure on enforcement issues, I will have no further comment on this matter until it is resolved.”
Louisville’s recruitment of Bowman was the center of an FBI investigation into bribes that were occurring in college basketball. He was ruled ineligible after the probe and never played a game for Louisville.
This recruitment also involved Adidas, especially the director of global sports marketing at the time, James Gotto.
“Specifically, the Adidas corporation (Adidas), a representative of the institution’s athletics interests, and its employee, James Gatto (Gatto), then director of global sports marketing for basketball, informed Pitino that he would assist in the recruitment of then men’s basketball student-athlete (Bowen),” the notice of allegations said.
This has been a long time coming for the University of Louisville. The leaders of the athletic department, Pitino and AD Tom Jurich, were fired after these allegations.
This was shortly after the book release that detailed the wrongful recruitment and parties that the team held in the dorms.