Pitino files lawsuit against Adidas
Former Louisville head coach Rick Pitino is suing Adidas in federal court in an attempt to clear his name, seeking unspecified actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees, according to TMZ.com.
A recent FBI investigation into corruption and fraud in college basketball unearthed evidence of players in several programs being pushed toward certain agents and advisers, as well as Adidas itself. It's alleged that Pitino helped funnel $100,000 in cash from the apparel company to recruit Brian Bowen, which he denies.
Adidas cut ties with Pitino after the university officially terminated his contract Monday.
The coach's attorney described the suit as "Pitino's vehicle for proving that he had nothing to do with Adidas' outrageous, wrongful, and illegal conspiracy."
The lawsuit claims that being connected to the scandal "resulted in grave damage to Coach Pitino's public and private standing and reputation, causing him extreme embarrassment, humiliation, and emotional distress."
Pitino's contract runs through the 2025-26 season, with $44 million in salary and bonuses still owed to him. The school's athletic association voted Monday to fire Pitino for cause, which would mean Louisville wouldn't have to pay the remainder of his deal.
He was originally placed on administrative leave Sept. 27 once the program was linked to the FBI investigation.