Pitino Fired

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Rick Pitino era at the University of Louisville has come to an end.

The school's athletic board voted unanimously to fire the Hall of Fame basketball coach in the wake of the federal investigation into pay-to-play allegations. 

Pitino is not named in the investigation, but school president Greg Postel says the allegations violated his contract. 

The move ends Pitino's 16-year tenure at UofL, a run that included the 2013 NCAA championship, but was tarnished by several embarrassing off-court incidents.

The board also approved a contract for acting basketball coach David Padgett.   He was given a one-year contract that runs through next September. 

Padgett's base salary is $400,000 -- plus another $400,000 for media and public relations appearances.   He is also eligible for bonuses that would push his total compensation to $1 million.


Photo:  Getty Images



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