Attempting to read Rick Pitino’s mind is an exercise in futility. Often Pitino says one thing with intent of making another point, leaving people to speculate on what point he’s really trying to make.

For example, how emphatic was Pitino’s farewell to Earl Clark when he announced, “Earl has decided to place his name in the draft and to pursue a professional basketball career. We wish him nothing but the best.”?

Just a few weeks ago Pitino told fans that Clark needed another year. Clark seemed to confirm this last week when he said he would return next season.

What’s not being said is whether Clark intends to sign with an agent, an act that would clarify his true intentions. The word circulating in some circles in recent weeks was that a locally prominent businessman, who doubles as a sports agent, was seeking to represent Clark.

Presumably these efforts were made without Pitino’s knowledge — and certainly without his approval or blessing. These actions, combined with some whispered-about curfew violating during the Big East Tournament, may have been the last straw for Pitino.

At any rate, it’s interesting that the announcement about Earl Clark’s future came from the basketball staff — and not from Earl Clark himself, the player who presumably would make the final decision.

* * *

An estimated 1,616 University of Louisville fans were rewarded with a 10-3 win over league-leading St. John’s Sunday at James Patterson Stadium. The big blow was provided by Stewart Ijames, a freshman outfielder from Owensboro, who belted a three-run home run to break a 3-3 tie in the sixth inning. The win followed two losses to St. John’s over the weekend.

The win was a good one for the Cards, with all the young players this season. They travel to Lexington Tuesday night to face a veteran Kentucky team at 6:30 p.m. in a game scheduled to be televised by Fox Sports South (Insight Ch. 70).

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

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