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Pitino's tattoo artist willing to cover up his 2013 championship ink

Darren Rovell/Twitter

The NCAA's decision to uphold penalties against Louisville, forcing the men's basketball program to vacate its 2013 national title, left many wondering what former Cardinals coach Rick Pitino plans to do about his tattoo.

Pitino got the words "2013 NCAA champions" and Louisville's 35-5 record inked on his left shoulder after making a promise to his players midway through the season.

SB Nation's Ricky O'Donnell caught up with the artist who did the tattoo, Adam Potts of Tattoo Salvation in Louisville, to see what he recommends Pitino do about the now-outdated tattoo. Potts said he would be happy to cover it up and also offered up some suggestions.

"Something that's still Louisville related would be cool, maybe just the city as a whole. Thinking he might not be too into the university right now," Potts said. "A lot of times animals are a good go to. I'd imagine a cardinal is probably out of the question for him at this point. Maybe a nice thoroughbred racing horse."

Pitino may not be the only person looking to get rid of his championship ink.

"Once I did the coach's, I did a lot more after that. I had done a few after the win, but especially after he got his I did a lot of U of L tattoos over the next couple months," Potts said. "Even today I still get people coming in - well, not specifically today - but I still get people coming in because the coach came here."

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