Rumblings from a College Assistant

Mar 4, 2008
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After listening to Matt Jones a few minutes ago, he brought up a few topics that amazingly came up when I spoke with an old college friend who happens to be a D1 college assistant. Whoever are Matt's sources they are pretty plugged into the college basketball landscape.

First when he mentioned that people close to the UofL program think that they will get hit in addition to the tournament ban, my coaching friend stated the same thing citing that Pitino knew a whole lot more than he is leading people to believe. In addition he stated that as brilliant as he is as a coach , he would make a terrible criminal. He stated that Pitino's interaction$ with Andre McGee were poorly hidden and the money trail ($200K down payment) $800K to follow will ultimately get him fired.

My friend stated that the WKU job will ultimately be Travis Steele's job, current Xavier Asst Coach he stated that the word he is hearing is that there is a complete mess down in Bowling Green and Harper had to go.

I plan on seeing him next weekend at the Final Four and I'm sure he will have more coaching news for me, so stay tuned.
 

musrat59

All-Conference
Feb 6, 2004
30,961
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I live in Cincinnati and I heard on the locals sports newcast that the Xavier assistant was interviewing for a position but they didn't mention where.
 

ukgrad83

All-Conference
Sep 26, 2009
931
1,403
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Hearing it was point shaving at WKU. Just what I heard from an alum, nothing more substantive.
 

them3ssiah10

Freshman
Oct 25, 2010
117
80
0
Pitino having a money trail? If that much money was put down, then Pitino would've already been fired. Even UL couldn't save him from that and would almost certainly get a death penalty. Pretty sure Smrt would've known about that if it were obvious to some random assistant coach.

I think they do get further punishment, but I'd have to say that much of a money trail sounds farfetched to me.
 
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LadyCaytIL

Heisman
Oct 28, 2012
33,005
34,612
113
A money trail wouldn't shock me at UL. They thought they were invincible with the city in their back pocket. Evidenced by how shocked they were when Katina went public with a book. They thought they could buy her off like they had the others.

I mean they were setting this stuff up with their real phones instead of disposable lol. so being stupid and leaving a money trail is something they probably would of overlooked as well with their false sense of security
 

Ben101er

Heisman
Apr 21, 2004
25,721
60,519
103
Pitino having a money trail? If that much money was put down, then Pitino would've already been fired. Even UL couldn't save him from that and would almost certainly get a death penalty. Pretty sure Smrt would've known about that if it were obvious to some random assistant coach.

I think they do get further punishment, but I'd have to say that much of a money trail sounds farfetched to me.

I took the OP to mean that he gave McGee that much to keep quiet, not to pay for dancers/hookers.
 

Catlogic15

All-Conference
May 19, 2003
3,388
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Almost too incredible to be true, but not saying it isn't. But as someone else said, if it's that "known", then this should've exploded already.
Skeptical.
 
Feb 21, 2006
8,403
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UL is a far bigger mess than anyone can imagine. It may never be fully known how deep and dirty that rabbit hole is.

I think Pitino or somebody has already paid off Andre and told him to be quiet and let it all blow over. I also believe that the only reason Pitino has not been fired is because Jurich and maybe even some other shot callers in the "Da Ville" were in on it, or at least knew about it.

There seems to have been an agreement that if one goes down all go down. Which is why nobody has been fired or even allowed to fall on the sword.

If P takes the fall or is fired, he'll sing like Pavoratti. If Jurich is forced out then there will be nobody to protect P or control the media. If Ramsey gets it, then he'll have an ax to grind with the entire institution, and I'd imagine that the President is privy to a lot of things, whether or not he's directly involved he knows stuff about all the athletics programs and could be a key witness to a number of things.

The strategy is deny, cry about how unfair the NCAA is, vow to get to the bottom of it, and hope and pray for things to blow over and maybe another big story will take the focus of everyone.

The idea that nobody knew is asinine. Universities and athletic departments literally have people on the pay roll to keep an eye on student athletes and to know when something is a muck.
 

flacat22

Heisman
Mar 12, 2011
8,527
12,466
113
The idea that nobody knew is asinine. Universities and athletic departments literally have people on the pay roll to keep an eye on student athletes and to know when something is a muck.

THIS. Sandy Bell is so involved with the team that she wouldn't let them shake the hands of fans at the UF game a few seasons ago because "it was flu season." I know not every program has a "Sandy Bell" but if she is involved to the point that the program is worried about the flu you'd at least think loserville would at least have someone concerned about the contraction and spread gonorrhea or syphilis within their program.
 

dan71268

Redshirt
Feb 9, 2014
12
14
0
Wow that's a lot of cash to be throwing around. I've heard the idea that this mess goes too deep and that if one falls than they all fall. This makes since but we 'll we ever know for sure is the question. If Rick goes down than the flood gates will probably open up like never before.

I get nervous over little things everyday, how do any of these people get sleep at night?
With all this hanging over your head the pressure must be incredible. What a mess.
 

Catclass15

Senior
Mar 22, 2010
700
687
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I had told a Louisville fan co-worker of mine the other day that either Pitino knew nothing or paid McGee off. I keep going back to early on when Pitino came out and said that McGee needed to come forward and tell what he knew. I'm thinking that was right after he agreed to pay him off. No way he would have challenged McGee like that if he was involved in any way unless he paid the man.
 

Nubb16

Heisman
Jun 30, 2005
128,718
10,043
67
The way pitino think e can just use his platform on the media to spread I don't want to say lies but lies or misleading statements is indicative enough to me that he would have tried to pay off someone like McGee or katina. He's a guy who kind of thinks he always has a way out. Not to mention he's a victim every day he wakes up and gets out of bed. Very great coach. One of the best of all time. But man what a moron
 

dan71268

Redshirt
Feb 9, 2014
12
14
0
McGee will never come forward and I'm sure he's been told by his lawyer to close his mouth. There's too many parts and pieces for this to just blow over, we may not know everything but we'll find out more in the next few months. The date to circle will be when Rick talks to the NCAA. After that you'll know with days what's coming down the path for UofL. I honestly can't believe that UofL has let Rick talk this much. Each time he speaks it gets worst.
 

jaknfo90

Senior
Oct 8, 2012
765
667
0
UL is a far bigger mess than anyone can imagine. It may never be fully known how deep and dirty that rabbit hole is.

I think Pitino or somebody has already paid off Andre and told him to be quiet and let it all blow over. I also believe that the only reason Pitino has not been fired is because Jurich and maybe even some other shot callers in the "Da Ville" were in on it, or at least knew about it.

There seems to have been an agreement that if one goes down all go down. Which is why nobody has been fired or even allowed to fall on the sword.

If P takes the fall or is fired, he'll sing like Pavoratti. If Jurich is forced out then there will be nobody to protect P or control the media. If Ramsey gets it, then he'll have an ax to grind with the entire institution, and I'd imagine that the President is privy to a lot of things, whether or not he's directly involved he knows stuff about all the athletics programs and could be a key witness to a number of things.

The strategy is deny, cry about how unfair the NCAA is, vow to get to the bottom of it, and hope and pray for things to blow over and maybe another big story will take the focus of everyone.

The idea that nobody knew is asinine. Universities and athletic departments literally have people on the pay roll to keep an eye on student athletes and to know when something is a muck.
The reason no one has been fired is because UL is unsure how much the NCAA really knows. They're willing to roll the dice to see what can be salvaged and as the depth, or lack thereof, of the NCAA's knowledge comes to light they will begin to sacrifice those they consider most expendable. That is, until it becomes apparent they too are going to be casualties. Why self destruct when the NCAA is as inconsistent as it is and what they know hasn't been revealed to UL. Doing the right thing is not in their vocabulary. Their mantra: Admit nothing, deny everything and make counter-accusations.
 

dan71268

Redshirt
Feb 9, 2014
12
14
0
The reason no one has been fired is because UL is unsure how much the NCAA really knows. They're willing to roll the dice to see what can be salvaged and as the depth, or lack thereof, of the NCAA's knowledge comes to light they will begin to sacrifice those they consider most expendable. That is, until it becomes apparent they too are going to be casualties. Why self destruct when the NCAA is as inconsistent as it is and what they know hasn't been revealed to UL. Doing the right thing is not in their vocabulary. Their mantra: Admit nothing, deny everything and make counter-accusations.

The fact that the NCAA is so inconsistent would scare the hell out of me if I were Uof L.
The university must know that all Rick has to do is leave town, they get the sanctions and all the bad pub. That school is goinbg to get smashed if they don't come clean now.
They should have let Rick go and whomever else knew about this. Jurich must think the NCAA will just walk away. This story is too big to ignore.
 

jaknfo90

Senior
Oct 8, 2012
765
667
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The fact that the NCAA is so inconsistent would scare the hell out of me if I were Uof L.
The university must know that all Rick has to do is leave town, they get the sanctions and all the bad pub. That school is goinbg to get smashed if they don't come clean now.
They should have let Rick go and whomever else knew about this. Jurich must think the NCAA will just walk away. This story is too big to ignore.
Jurich is banking on it. So what if they come down on them and they lose their jobs; if they resign they're out of a job anyway, why not roll the dice?
 
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catdance

All-Conference
Feb 21, 2016
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Pitino having a money trail? If that much money was put down, then Pitino would've already been fired. Even UL couldn't save him from that and would almost certainly get a death penalty. Pretty sure Smrt would've known about that if it were obvious to some random assistant coach.

I think they do get further punishment, but I'd have to say that much of a money trail sounds farfetched to me.
Nothing that comes out about Rick and Uof L surprises me anymore. Did you think when Rick got hired there, we'd hear stories about fornicating in a restaurant? Any place else, he would have been fired for that. They are paying Smrt. He's not going to find out or say anything that they don't want him to.
 

maysvilleky

All-American
Aug 13, 2003
15,769
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The reason no one has been fired is because UL is unsure how much the NCAA really knows. They're willing to roll the dice to see what can be salvaged and as the depth, or lack thereof, of the NCAA's knowledge comes to light they will begin to sacrifice those they consider most expendable. That is, until it becomes apparent they too are going to be casualties. Why self destruct when the NCAA is as inconsistent as it is and what they know hasn't been revealed to UL. Doing the right thing is not in their vocabulary. Their mantra: Admit nothing, deny everything and make counter-accusations.

The "UNC Strategy"! UNC has provided the guidelines. Deny everything, don't admit to anything, blame it on one or two rouge individuals (that you can sacrifice).
 

UKWildcatT

All-American
Apr 9, 2009
75,546
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[QUOTE="Wildcat-in-STL, post: 4221087, member: 11122"]A money trail wouldn't shock me at UL. They thought they were invincible with the city in their back pocket. Evidenced by how shocked they were when Katina went public with a book. They thought they could buy her off like they had the others.

I mean they were setting this stuff up with their real phones instead of disposable lol. so being stupid and leaving a money trail is something they probably would of overlooked as well with their false sense of security[/QUOTE]

Honestly, there may be some truth in this. I don't know what it is with Louisville media, but they are unlike any other media out there in that they are complete sycophants.

Really, if the NCAA just got every interview The Crypt Keeper has given since October, they'd see his story changes EVERY TIME. He can't even keep track of his lies anymore
 

dan71268

Redshirt
Feb 9, 2014
12
14
0
Every big time city has a critical writer that blasts the local professional of college team / coach. For some reason it does not happen in this city. Doesn't really matter now bc after all this shakes out the media will look as dumb as ever. I could cover the program from my desk. If the university blackballs a media member from news conferences, it's as easy as checking Twitter for updates Can you imagine the Jerry Tipton articles if he were in Louisville?
 

yoshukai

Heisman
Dec 21, 2002
30,078
42,811
102
McGee will never come forward and I'm sure he's been told by his lawyer to close his mouth. There's too many parts and pieces for this to just blow over, we may not know everything but we'll find out more in the next few months. The date to circle will be when Rick talks to the NCAA. After that you'll know with days what's coming down the path for UofL. I honestly can't believe that UofL has let Rick talk this much. Each time he speaks it gets worst.
They can't stop him they can only hope to contain him ! lol
 

Kats23

All-American
Nov 21, 2007
8,683
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I don't think there will be a money trail that leads back to Pitino. All the dealings were cash transactions and the only receipt is a wire transfer from McGee when he wasn't even coaching here anymore. I think that's the smoking gun in this.

McGee could very well of been paid off. I think it's likely either he has no hard evidence to prove he was nothing more than a lackey and a yes man or he was paid off handsomely to stay quiet. If he had proof and wasn't paid off then staying quiet makes 0 sense. He could possibly revive his coaching career if he would just go to the NCAA and the media and say "Here's the proof. I was afraid for my job so I did what they told me to do." I just don't think that proof exists or he was paid off. But why is he driving an Uber if he has enough dough to stay quiet as to make up for his lost revenue as a coach?

That's why I think he has no proof, his lawyer had told him to stay quiet so no further charges can come onto him and he'll just become another victim in the path that is Rick Pitino's fight to stay on top. History with Rick Pitino says Rick Pitino cares about him self and himself only. He only helps when it benefits him.
 

BBBLazing

All-Conference
Dec 30, 2009
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FTR, I heard the same thing.
Where have you guys "heard" this? Someone speculated the other day on here that it could be point shaving just because Matt Jones said it was really bad. Have you all actually heard it was point shaving other than that? If so, from who?
 

LadyCaytIL

Heisman
Oct 28, 2012
33,005
34,612
113
Why fire a head coach if its point shaving? Well if the coach knew then yeah but players point shaving hurts the head coach and makes him a victim... not really fair to ask him to resign imo
 

Teachable Moe

Senior
Mar 19, 2015
2,708
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I don't believe the NCAA has the power to uncover a money trail. They rely on cooperative testimony but can go with prima facie interpretations of physical data. They don't have access to banking records and can't compel anyone to provide them. When the NCAA metes out a punishment based on guesswork, it's time to dissolve the NCAA.
 

revcort

Heisman
Feb 20, 2003
32,522
30,904
113
Almost too incredible to be true, but not saying it isn't. But as someone else said, if it's that "known", then this should've exploded already.
Skeptical.
Agreed. I'll believe this one when I hear it for myself. I just have a hard time believing Pitino would be dumb enough to allow a money trail that size to be tied directly to him. Then again, with the many brazen things he's done and gotten away with at UofL, it's clear he believed himself to be untouchable. And the truth is, if not for this tell-all book, he would have continued to call the shots there for years to come. He OWNS Louisville. Anyone who could have sex with someone on a public restaurant table, get her pregnant, pay to abort the child, hire an assistant to keep her shut up, play the victim, have the audacity to admit to the whole thing in court, and then not even be reprimanded by the school and remain the Belle of the UofL Ball with fans, clearly this man OWNS them.

It's clear clinical narcissism is heavily involved in this entire scandal, so perhaps he didn't care how it would look to be giving large amounts of cash to McGee. Who knows? But it is hard to believe.
 

*CatinIL*

Heisman
Jan 2, 2003
24,651
40,237
113
LOL you'd have a better chance learning an alien language than UL fans being able to understand logic or reason.
Did someone say ALIENS??

 

Big_Blue_Skidoo

Freshman
Mar 29, 2006
129
85
0
I stay away from trying to speak logic with UofL fan on Facebook, so could you just post their answer?

Justin Lewallen- Card Nation, I heard a rumor today that made me sick to my stomach. It's about the ***** scandal. It's not good. I'm hearing an assistant and a booster was involved, and I have names. It is a rumor. I hope it's not true. However it is from a source I trust that heard it from someone that is close to the university. I just wish the NCAA would hurry the **** up and send out the NOA. Tired of dealing with rumors. I'm still sticking with my original thoughts of banner stays, no more post season bans, and what I have been saying this whole time. The rumors include what is expected for punishment. And they pretty much lineup with my thoughts of what the punishment will be.

Again, it's just rumors, so it may not be true, but I'm hearing the asst was Steve Masiello, and I hear he will be fired from Manhattan, and slapped with a show cause. The booster is J.D. Nichols. I hear banner stays, 3 lost schollys, Rick will be suspended for 10-20 games. And it's possible for post season ban for next year, but I don't see that one happening.
 
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LadyCaytIL

Heisman
Oct 28, 2012
33,005
34,612
113
LOL if it was another assistant coach...... then thats enough for the NCAA to tell UL to get rid of Rick too. That many people in the program and staff being in on it just shows that Rick not knowing about it is equally as unforgivable as if he did know about it.
 

Blueaz

Heisman
Jul 7, 2009
28,072
30,262
113
Wow that's a lot of cash to be throwing around. I've heard the idea that this mess goes too deep and that if one falls than they all fall. This makes since but we 'll we ever know for sure is the question. If Rick goes down than the flood gates will probably open up like never before.

I get nervous over little things everyday, how do any of these people get sleep at night?
With all this hanging over your head the pressure must be incredible. What a mess.
remember RP hasn't slept since this all came out...and he is not watching ANY of the tourney...