Report: Former Louisville basketball assistant coach facing federal extortion charges

A number of assistant coaches in the college basketball world have found themselves in hot water in recent years.

On Tuesday, it was reported that former Louisville assistant coach Dino Gaudio was facing federal extortion charges.

Per Hayley Minogue, Gaudio — who was fired by coach Chris Mack in March — threatened to report alleged rules violations if the Cardinals didn’t pay him 17 months of salary:

Former UL assistant coach Dino Gaudio is facing federal extortion charges. In paperwork filed publicly, its alleged Gaudio threatened to report media allegations that the UL program violated NCAA rules in its production of recruiting videos for prospective student athletes. #WHAS

— Hayley Minogue (@HayleyMinogueTV) May 18, 2021

He also alleged UofLs MBB program violated NCAA rules in its use of graduate assistants in practices.

— Hayley Minogue (@HayleyMinogueTV) May 18, 2021

Obviously, these are very serious charges Gaudio now faces. But, if there is any truth to the allegations he made about Louisville, the Cardinals could soon have more trouble with the NCAA.

This is a messy situation on both sides that will need to be monitored going forward.

UPDATE: Louisville and Mack have released statements on the matter:

Statements from U of L: pic.twitter.com/8LJPrDrxwB

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) May 18, 2021