No surprise there have been no discussions within the University of Louisville administration about the possibilities of Rick Pitino being fired or asked to resign. It is far too early to be drawing any conclusions about the coach’s future.
UofL President James Ramsey was questioned briefly by local media between meetings on Belknap Campus on Wednesday, some apparently having rushed to a conclusion that Pitino future is in jeopardy. The issue makes for some bold headlines in newspapers and dramatic teasers for TV and radio news. No surprise that some might be jumping the gun, getting ahead of the probe.
The investigation is less than two weeks old and only a few current and former basketball players have been interviewed by the university’s private investigator, the campus police and the NCAA. Or for that matter the attorney representing Andre McGee, accused of setting up stripper parties and prostitution for players and recruits.
Ramsey reiterated that the university is investigating and invited the NCAA to be a part of the process. He said he had not watched the ESPN report from Tuesday indicating that five players had confirmed strip parties occurred, including one who said he had a sexual encounter with a prostitute. Ramsey also indicated he has not discussed Rick Pitino’s future with anyone.
Which is as it should be. The ESPN report held some shock value but it was just that — a television production with personalities posing questions to players. A typical example of so-called “investigative reporting” from a media source. Not real investigators but they do play them on TV. ESPN’s staff largely consists of former jocks and coaches, no better qualified than the rest of us. Give them enough time and they may uncover some facts but TV investigations are rarely very thorough. Or very objective for that matter.
The investigation has only just begun by the organizations charged with uncovering the facts. There’s a lot of sorting out of the “he said, she said” yet to be done, tying the stories to eye-witness accounts and actual evidence.
As for Pitino’s role, how much he and his subordinates knew or didn’t know, and what he and subordinates did or didn’t do, these things will come out during an intense and extensive investigation by professionals in criminal justice. Whether he should have known or whether he ignored that part of his responsibilities should be more apparent when all aspects of the case are examined. That’s going to take time and lots of it.
Whether Pitino should stay or go are logical questions, but it is far too early in the process for any answers.