At long last, progress. Time to start putting this ugly episode behind us.
And so much for the Doomsday scenarios originating from Fifth and Broadway (aka, The Courier-Journal) about vacating an NCAA title.
Not even close.
The NCAA has finally provided the University of Louisville with the Notice of Allegations following a prolonged investigation of the basketball program. Embarrassing and a punch in the gut, but endurable.
The findings essentially allege that UofL assistant Andre McGee was actively involved in providing sex parties and favors for a number of recruits and players at Minardi Hall.
What’s significant at this point is what is not included in the allegations:
— That Coach Pitino had knowledge of what took place in the dormitory.
— No ‘lack of institutional control’ at Louisville, which would have been the most severe accusation.
— No “failure to monitor” against the institution..
— No allegation that Coach Pitino failed to ‘promote an atmosphere of compliance.’
The NOA does contain a narrower allegation – which UofL will dispute – that Coach Pitino failed to demonstrate that he monitored McGee.
If anything, Pitino probably had too much faith in McGee, expecting him to conduct himself responsibly. Around the clock monitoring of McGee would have been a violation of privacy.
The NCAA has never been consistent in administering punishments. Whether additional penalties will be administered is impossible to predict. The Doomsday scenario, however, is highly unlikely.