Louisville’s Rick Pitino Refuses To Resign Due To Sex Scandal – Full Text

Louisville head basketball coach Rick Pitino released a statement on Thursday in which he stated he has no intention of resigning despite an alleged sex scandal that is smoldering the Cardinals’ program just weeks before its new season begins.

In recent months, allegations have arisen that a former Louisville staffer paid dozens of escorts thousands of dollar and gave them tickets in exchange for dancing and sexual favors for both players and recruits. One of the escorts, Katina Powell, wrote a book about this scandal Breaking Cardinal Rules, in which she claims that both her and her teenage daughters were paid. The ex-staffer, Andre McGee, denied having paid anyone for sex or knowing of anyone else in the organization who may have paid for sex, despite admitting he knows Powell. Pitino issued the statement on his website.

The Cardinals kick off their season on Nov. 13 against Samford.

Here is the full statement:

“To our loyal fans,

First, above all, I’m sorry we all have to endure the pain of these allegations. I so appreciate your support and friendships.

I will not resign and let you down. Someday I will walk away in celebration of many memorable years but that time is not now. I do not fight these accusations by others but rather turn the other cheek. Couldn’t do it at 33, but at 63 it’s the wise thing to do. Let’s let the investigators do their job and we will play basketball.

I am really excited with our ball team. Their attitude and willingness to learn is the best I’ve witnessed as a coach. We have the potential to be a very explosive offensive team. We must defend like past years. That will come when they come together as a unit.

The players have improved in many areas:

• Quentin Snider – has improved his jump shot by adding more lift and arc.
• Matz Stockman – has made great strides. He’s doing things in practice that has all

of us very excited. Now he just has to relax when the lights come on.

• Anas Mahmoud – has great footwork and length. Still only 210 lbs., but up from 177.
• Ryan McMahon – is crafty and picking up the physical nature of college ball. Although our plans are to redshirt him, he is improving with each practice.
• Ray Spalding – has been out of practice due to a sprained ankle. Has a lot of catching up to do.
• Donovan Mitchell – is a tremendous worker with an attitude I haven’t seen in my lifetime. Freak athlete who is a joy to coach.
• Mangok Mathiang – is consistent in every area. Emotional leader who gives you everything he has all the time. His low post footwork has improved and his rebounding is always there.
• Chinanu Onuaku – has improved in many areas. He was fouling too much in our scrimmages, which is a concern. Once he learns to fight through fatigue, his play will be more consistent. Working real hard to improve.
• Jaylen Johnson – like Nanu, has been creating too many fouls that would put him on the bench. He needs to cut down on his turnovers and ball fake more on his passes.
• Dillon Avare – gives you every ounce he has in him each day. Battles and never backs down vs. stronger players.
• David Levitch – as everyone noticed from the scrimmage, he’s not a player you yell to put in the game up 20. He makes players better around him and has had two stellar scrimmages.
• Jay Henderson – dependable transfer from St. John’s. Terrific attitude who makes guys compete each day by giving great effort.
• Trey Lewis – learning to play more at the point guard position. Strong and aggressive and has a great stroke. We are so lucky to have him on our team. Like Donovan, just a joy to coach.
• Damion Lee – explosive scorer. Doing it all for us in practice. Rebounding, passing and his quick release reminds me of a player I coached named Ron Mercer. Another young man with an incredible attitude.
• Deng Adel – Wow!! So much potential with such an eagerness to learn. Explosive athlete who gets better and better. Probably will start at the wing.

We are a week away from the Bellarmine game. Get fired up for another great season!

The Pope on his recent visit was asked many controversial questions. He would often answer, “We will let God judge.” There can be no better advice regardless of what religion you are than his words. Let’s not try to justify, but let the Lord judge!!

GO CARDS!

Rick Pitino”

PHOTO: SYRACUSE, NY – FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals calls a play for his team against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Carrier Dome on February 18, 2015 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Louisville 69-59. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)