Not in the Cards

Written by Jason Brubaker | 12 August 2009

Rick Pitino has sex in a restaurant and most of Lexington is smiling. Yes, this is going to be a great season.

To recap, in case you live under a rock, the former UK and current Louisville head man admitted today that he had consensual sex with a woman who was indicted on extortion charges in April. Pitino, who is married with five kids, admitted having sex with the woman in 2003, but denies her allegations of further sexual encounters, including two instances where she claims he raped her.

The affair should come as no surprise to anyone. When the extortion case became public, the whole thing reeked of an extramarital affair gone wrong, with the woman trying to cash in on it. It certainly didn't paint Pitino in a favorable light, but then again, everyone knows that college coaches aren't saints.

But with details leaking out now, Pitino might be in a world of trouble. He admitted the two had sex...in a restaurant booth. Wow. An affair is one thing, but to do it in a public place like that is smply amazing. An Italian Stallion reference might seem too obvious and cliche..but it sure fits.

But wait-  it gets better. Pitino then allegedly paid the woman $3,000 to have an abortion. Of course, the conversation about the abortion took place at the condo of UL's strength coach, who of course would later go on to marry the woman. Why not? The Cards are one big happy family!

The results of the case, as well as any consequences, have yet to be determined. Pitino, who does have a morality clause in his contract, likely won't face any punishment from the school. He may be spending a few nights on the couch at his house, but in all likelihood, he'll leave this whole mess relatively unscathed.

No, the real story may be how this affects the program. How will Pitino, one of the game's best recruiters, be able to sit in the living rooms of prospects and talk about the values of the Cardinal program? How can he look parents in the eye and tell them that he'll help their son become a man if he comes to Louisville? How can he even enjoy a meal out anymore without wondering whether that table will support his weight?

And don't forget about the fans. Think UK fans will remember this during the annual UK-UL tilt this year? I can see UK students scrambling now to think of slogans to put on their signs. (Hey Rick- be sure to wash your hands before you eat). And while John Calipari's image has been fodder for Cards fans all summer, at least he has never been caught "enjoying" a lady friend in a public place. Nope- this is just a nightmare for the Cardinal program, no matter how you slice it.