Shocking, the allegations that Andre McGee was compensating escorts/prostitutes to have sex with basketball recruits being pursued by the University of Louisville.
Dumb, if true. Unbelievably stupid. Hard to fathom.
The allegations, whether factual or not, are a collective slap in the face of UofL fans. Wet dreams for many University of Kentucky fans.
A female named Katina Powell claims she and her daughters entertained and performed for UofL recruits at the request of McGee between 2010 and 2014. If Powell, who is 43, was having sex with teenagers, or arranging for her daughters to have sex with under-aged youth, she could be in trouble, having documented the evidence against her in a book to be released this weekend.
The primary concern, however, is the embarrassing nature of the allegations against a program that has been squeaky clean for so many years. Contrary to everything that Tom Jurich demands and expects from his athletic department and respective coaching staffs.
The Louisville AD said during a press conference Thursday that he would be shocked if Andre McGee was involved in such a situation. He also said Rick Pitino would never condone such behavior.
Andre McGee denied the allegations when contacted by Pitino. The UofL coach, who said he was heartbroken by the allegations, has been unable to confirm whether such activity occurred. “I find it hard to believe that nobody in our program was aware if something like this was going on,” he said.
The investigation is in the hands of Chuck Smrt, a former member of the NCAA enforcement staff for 17 years, who has a free rein and complete access. Jurich will await a final report from Smrt before deciding on a course of action.
Too early to draw any conclusions, one way or the other. But unfortunately, it’s going to get much uglier before it gets any better.
The worst thing about these inquiries is that they drag out for two or three years and you never quite get out from under the cloud. I didn’t like the ghostly look on Pitino’s face. Doesn’t look good.