Rick Pitino: Adidas 'Outrageously Conspired' Money-Funneling Scheme

LOUISVILLE, KY — Rick Pitino filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Adidas alleging the athletic apparel company "outrageously conspired" to funnel money to the family of a University of Louisville recruit without his knowledge. The former Cardinal coach's lawsuit comes a day after the university's Athletic Association fired him for cause.

The school acknowledged the program's involvement in a nationwide federal bribery investigation of college basketball. Ten people, including an Adidas executive, were arrested in the probe. Pitino wasn't named in the federal complaint.

Hours after his firing Monday, Adidas terminated its personal services agreement with Pitino. Adidas' activities made it seem Pitino knew about the practices and notes, the coach's lawsuit stated. (For more information on Pitino's suit and other Louisville stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

"That could not be further from the truth," it said.

Pitino's suit seeks a jury trial along with compensatory and punitive damages.

Adidas said in an email to The Associated Press that Pitino's suit "is clearly a reaction to his termination yesterday and is without merit."

Photo credit: Timothy D. Easley/Associated Press