Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino’s indefinite leave from the University of Louisville will become permanent as votes from the university’s Athletic Association Board to terminate add up.

Pitino has faced numerous scandals throughout his coaching career, even during his Louisville tenure. However, he always found a way to dodge allegations, since blame of wrongdoing was usually placed on his personnel. His luck to curb scandals seems to have run out.

Pitino was excellent in college and seems to have cemented his name in Kentucky basketball history. He won NCAA National Championships with both the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. He had unparalleled basketball skills and success followed him to most places he went, but despite all his accomplishments, his name will be smeared by scandals and controversies.

Pitino’s troubles began when he was named “coach-2” in a series of criminal complaints made by the FBI. According to the documents, Christina Dawkins, a sports agent, talked to Pitino about getting “more money” for the family of a player believed to be Brian Bowen. The complaints also state that Pitino was told to call Jim Gatto, an executive at Adidas. Gatto was going to facilitate the funneling of $100,000 to Bowen’s family in order for Bowen to commit to Louisville. The FBI quoted Florida coach, Brad Augustine, as saying that no one has more talking power with Adidas than Pitino: “All [Pitino] had to do is pick up the phone and call somebody and say, ‘there are my guys.’ And then [Adidas] taking care of them [sic].”

Louisville signed a $160 million apparel agreement with Adidas, so there may be some scrutiny of that deal, as it was perhaps the catalyst of this illicit recruiting partnership.

Corruption is now synonymous with top-tier college programs, but typically, lower level coaches, like an assistant coach, take most of the fault while the head coach and higher officials continue business as usual. Pitino was set to serve a five-game suspension this season for Louisville’s sex scandal last season. He escaped that investigation with only a suspension because he claimed to have been unaware of the actions of his staffer, Andre McGee.

Pitino’s reaction at being named in the allegations, followed by statements of being shocked and unaware, won’t do him any favors. It has been amazing how NCAA coaches are constantly submerged in accusations of misconduct, but high-profile names like Pitino get away with measly suspensions. The next step for Pitino is to try to recoup any of the $40 million left on his contract at Louisville. Through his lawyer, he stated that he is owed all of it, but messy contract disputes are sure to ensue after his termination is final.

I believe his reputation would be too damaged for any basketball team to consider giving him another coaching job, but with these types of actions being so common in NCAA sports, another team might just overlook Pitino’s recent history.