On Rick Pitino

I suspect Rick Pitino will continue as Louisville’s basketball coach. He says he’s not quitting, and although there’s a morals clause in his contract that would allow the
university to dismiss him that’s probably not going to happen.

Besides, firing him might let Pitino off easily.

He could hide from his disgrace for a year or two, rebuild his reputation with a few public appearances and there would be no shortage of forgiving university presidents looking to boost their basketball program with a proven winner.

Heck, it could even be in this part of the country. Oklahoma State gave Eddie Sutton a second chance. Kansas State did with Bob Huggins.

But by continuing to coach the Cards and remaining the face of the program, Pitino won’t escape this tawdry story.

He’s now the “sex scandal” coach, and the affair, payment and abortion become part of his definition.
He’ll subject his team to treatment on the road perhaps as cruel as anything that’s been delivered.

His motivational speaking career ends.
He’ll deal with the hypocrisy, and not just in reconciling this terrible lapse in judgment as a devout Roman Cathloic, but in the discipline messages for his players.

Pitino’s latest book, “Rebound Rules, The Art of Success 2.0” is a lesson in handling professional failure and life tragedies. The introduction ends with this idea about dealing with adversity, “It will test you in ways most of us have never contemplated. Having a plan to deal with it can make your comeback a great one.”

Pitino can come back from this one, but not as he was. He can continue to be one of the game’s great coaches and keep Louisville near the top of college basketball’s hierarchy. His apology and the statements of support from the school president and athletic director was a sign things were under control, so recruiting shouldn’t slip.

But Pitino will pay a personal and public price.