University of Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino says he believes his program won’t face any additional sanctions when the NCAA completes its investigation of rules violations.
The NCAA is looking into claims that former basketball staffer Andre McGee hired an escort service to provide strippers and prostitutes to Cardinal players and recruits. U of L self-imposed a ban on tournament play last season and is reducing scholarships after conducting an internal investigation.
Pitino held a press conference Tuesday to talk about next season’s schedule and roster. He says the program is ready to move forward.
"It was a very difficult year emotionally, it was a very difficult year and disappointment for all of us, and we’d like to put every single thing about this year behind us," Pitino said. "We’d like the past to be -- you know, sometimes you cherish the past, other times you like to forget the past. We’d like to forget this past."
There’s been no indication when the NCAA will complete its investigation. Pitino says he’s not worried that there will be additional penalties when the NCAA issues its final report.
“But that doesn’t mean anything, that’s just my feelings," he says. "I think that we’ve paid a very serious price.”
Pitino has said he can’t comment on whether he’s been interviewed by investigators. He has denied any knowledge of wrongdoing.
