Former Louisville Cardinals coach Rick Pitino is not all that happy with the NCAA following the sanctions being upheld by the governing body against the university.
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"To say I'm disappointed with the NCAA's appeals ruling is a gross understatement," Pitino said during a news conference.
Louisville used Tuesday to make an unexpected announcement, as the university has released information in regards to the school's NCAA appeal ruling. The NCAA has upheld its initial ruling.
The NCAA in June placed Louisville on four years' probation and ordered that it vacate up to 123 victories, including the 2013 title and 2012 Final Four appearance.
After being allowed to talk following an embargo, it has been revealed that the university lost its appeal from the StripperGate saga. For those unaware, back in October of 2016, the NCAA alleged a former men's basketball assistant paid an escort service to provide strip shows and sex for recruits and other players.
"Did a few of [the players] partake in parties they didn't organize? Yes they did," Pitino said. "But that had nothing to do with an extra benefit. That had nothing to do with helping their eligibility or performance in winning that championship.
"Those parties did not enhance our players' ability to win a national championship or go to a Final Four."
Pitino, fired prior to the start of this season, wasn't only canned for the FBI probing the school's recruiting efforts by way of a shoe apparel company funneling money to high school players. Pitino received a bit of a lifetime achievement award, as he also has one of the most infamous 15 recorded seconds of chain restaurant history, as well as the entire escort scandal.
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"How do you take down a championship? They've earned it," he said. "You need to get an injunction. The NCAA, they have total autonomy. I'm sure Notre Dame is not going to let it happen, and neither should the University of Louisville, in my opinion. I wish I could do it. Unfortunately, I'm defenseless."
Pitino, once again, swore he had no idea about the escorts.
(H/T ESPN)
