Another Scandal Surfaces With Louisville & Former Coach Rick Pitino

Iona Gaels head basketball coach Rick Pitino has found himself back in the headlines once again, along with the University of Louisville. Pitino and Louisville have been handed an array of different levels of notices of allegations, including three Level II allegations with one against Pitino.

Louisville finds themselves as the seventh school to be handed an NCAA Notice of Allegeations after the on-going FBI investigation into college basketball. Louisville is being accused of mailing to adequately montior the recruiting process of a high profile student-athelete, amongst other things.

The exact allegations against Pitino are they he did not promote an atmosphere of compliance amongst his co-workers. Two of his former assistant coaches, Kenny Johnson and Jordan Fair, have been accused of providing unallowed benefits and transportation as well as having impermissible contact with a recruit.

Rick Pitino has been very adament that he disagrees with the allegations. "I firmly disagree with this allegation and will follow the protocols in addressing this allegation through the administrative process. Due to NCAA bylaws on public disclosure on enforcement issues, I will have no further comment on this matter until it is resolved."

The Iona Gaels relesed a statement on the incident. "Prior to hiring Coach Pitino, we conducted extensive due diligence. We support Coach Pitino and expect him to respond within the process." Pitino could be suspended for as long as a half a season if he is found guilty of Level II violations.

It is important to note that current Louisville men's basketball coach Chris Mack was not a member of the staff at the time of the allegations. All of the allegations stem around the recruitment of Brian Bowen II who was a highly sought-after recruit, although he never played a game in the NCAA and went undrafted before signing a two-way contract.

It is unknown exactly what the possible fallout could be for Louisville, granted they're found guilty of the accusations against them. Regardless of what happens, this is not a good look for a team that is still on the rebound from Pitino's scandal during his time as the head coach at Louisville.