What could Louisville's punishment mean for Ole Miss? Experts weigh in
If you missed the news today, the NCAA announced the penalties for Rick Pitino and the Louisville basketball program following its investigation into the Cardinals’ use of strippers and sex to pitch recruits.
Pitino has been issued a five-game suspension to be served during ACC play, the program goes on four years of probation, the program has to vacate wins in which ineligible players participated and a 10-year show-cause order was handed down for former basketball operations director Andre McGee.
Still to be determined is the status of Louisville’s 2013 National Championship title. The status of the title will be determined in 45 days after the school issues a report to the NCAA. Judge for yourself whether you think the penalties are warranted, but considering the nature of some of the recollections reported to the NCAA, action had to be taken.
I think you could title this passage from the final infractions report on Louisville basketball: "Why the NCAA is so ticked off" pic.twitter.com/POrYsks1vM
— Eric Crawford (@ericcrawford) June 15, 2017
With the NCAA having dealt its punishment to the Louisville basketball program, many have shifted their focus toward the Ole Miss football program and its upcoming hearing with the Committee on Infractions — which will likely be held in September or early October.
Following the Louisville announcement, here’s what Sports Illustrated legal analyst Michael McCann had to say:
Rick Pitino saying he didn't know about the strippers wasn't enough. NCAA found it was his job to have known. Coaches should take notice. https://t.co/ndu0IXhayS
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) June 15, 2017
The ‘coaches should take notice’ mention could very well refer to Hugh Freeze, as he and his Ole Miss program are now on deck to meet with the NCAA’s COI. FOX Sports college football writer Stewart Mandel made the connection, here’s his response to McCann’s tweet.
This is why Ole Miss' Hugh Freeze defense isn't going to work. https://t.co/viP7W8dYHy
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) June 15, 2017
It should be noted that McCann retweeted Mandel’s tweet. Barrett Sallee of the Smothered and Covered podcast also added this thought following Louisville’s announced punishment.
If the NCAA vacates Louisville's national title, it's further proof that it wants back in the enforcement biz big time. #OleMiss #UNC
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) June 15, 2017