Latest Scandal News

Here’s the latest on the unfolding NCAA basketball scandal.

Although Rick Pitino hasn’t been officially fired yet due to contractual issues, Louisville has named an interim coach: former assistant David Padgett.

The traditional problem with coaching changes this late is continuity vs., well, change. Padgett by all accounts is not involved in the investigation and is well respected. He can continue Rick Pitino’s basic system and provide some continuity at a critical time.

The other coaches won’t know their fate until Louisville hires a new A.D.

Louisville can also have a much longer time to consider its situation and make a wise permanent hire (which could still be Padgett).

It’s not a universally popular move. John Clay didn’t care for it either.

Louisville has also suspended Brian Bowen, the freshman at the center of the Louisville case.

Meanwhile, an unhappy Rick Pitino is beginning to speak out, issuing a statement at the very moment Padgett was introduced as his replacement.

Bruce Pearl meanwhile spoke publicly for the first time since his assistant Chuck Person was arrested.

He didn’t address the specifics of the case but did have the confidence to speak publicly, something Sean Miller is still avoiding and in a small way, it’s beginning to cost him.

USC’s Andy Enfield has also not yet spoken publicly about the scandal and his assistant Tony Bland.

Utah’s Larry Krystkowiak did pipe up though, and had quite a bit to say about his profession.

And down in Miami, Jim Larranaga hasn’t spoken other than through his attorney, but no one seems to suspect that he’s involved.

By the way, Johnny Dawkins is at Central Florida now where his boss is Danny White, son of Duke. A.D. Kevin White. Check out what he has to say about the scandal:

“All of the clean coaches are celebrating. They’ve been disadvantaged in recruiting for a long time. … As a college athletics lifer who grew up in the business I’m embarrassed to see our dirty laundry aired like this. A lot of this stuff has been known to be going on, but nobody could do anything about it.

“There are a lot of bad actors out there who are taking advantage of kids. When you get into inducements and bribery and manipulating kids, this is something that has been bothering me for many years. While I’m embarrassed for college basketball, I’m actually excited for the future of the game because I think now we can finally get it cleaned up.”