U of L and Rick Pitino Respond to NCAA Notice of Allegations

The self-imposed removal from the post-season by the University of Louisville in 2016 was prompted by an NCAA investigation initiated because of a scandal that erupted a year prior.

The scandal involved former U of L staff member Andre McGee's hiring of professional escorts and strippers to entertain various recruits, current (at the time) players, and AAU coaches, among others.

Louisville punished itself by not participating in any post-season tournaments--neither the ACC Tournament nor the NCAA Tournament.

Back in October, the NCAA alleged that U of L and committed four violations.

On Wednesday, the school responded publicly to the NCAA's Notice of Allegations, and part of that 92-page document was the contention that head coach Rick Pitino not be charged with a major rules violation.

Pitino, himself, echoed those sentiments in a 43-page missive his own attorney issued.

The thing is, neither of those assertions means, in any way, the NCAA will just accept them.

It's still possible that Pitino could face a multiple-game suspension like legends before him have.

So this case is far from over.

In the meantime, Louisville is enjoying a pretty nice season.

The Cardinals' 17-4 record includes wins over Purdue, Kentucky, Indiana, and Duke.

And on Tuesday night, Louisville handed Pittsburgh its worst loss in 111 years when it annihilated the Panthers 106-51. And that was on THEIR floor.

Louisville's next game is Saturday against North Carolina State in the KFC Yum! Center.