Former Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino and the University of Louisville Athletic Association (ULAA) are locked in a lawsuit over what constitutes "inappropriate behavior."

Pitino is suing ULAA for breach of contract, claiming his suspension lacked proper notice and that he was not fired for “just cause,” thus entitling him under his contract to roughly $4.3 million per year through 2026. ULAA attorneys have filed a motion for summary judgment requesting dismissal of the lawsuit. Pitino’s attorneys counter, claiming the motion should be denied because the school has not yet proven Pitino violated a “major” NCAA rule.

According to NCAA bylaws, head coaches are responsible for assistant coaches and administrators who report to them. Pitino claims he was unaware of the escort scandal involving former assistant coach Andre McGee and allegations of sex parties for recruits and players. ULAA’s attorneys argue Pitino’s knowledge of McGee’s actions is “irrelevant” under the rules.

"Pitino cannot go back in time," the motion said. "The addition of the presumed responsibility language was an effort by the NCAA to avoid exactly the argument Pitino is making in this case. Pitino’s defense of 'I didn’t know' is no longer valid. Pitino was responsible for the actions of his staff members, whether he knew about them or not.

"Pitino sued ULAA for nearly $40 million while it continues to try to recover from the harm Pitino caused by the multiple highly publicized scandals that occurred on his watch. Yet, Pitino attempts to portray himself as the 'victim' because ULAA detailed Pitino’s long history of scandals in its motion for summary judgment."

ULAA has announced it intends to vigorously defend itself against Pitino’s frivolous claims.

—Source: courier-journal.com