LOUISVILLE, Ky. —  The University of Louisville men's basketball program received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA Monday regarding the pay-for-play scandal in 2017.

What You Need To Know

  • University of Louisville receives Notice of Allegations

  • School has 90 days to respond

  • Allegations include offering money to recruits and people associated with recruits

The NCAA charged the school with one Level One allegation and three Level Twos. UofL now has 90 days to respond.

The most serious charge is the Level One accusation alleging sports apparel giant Adidas while acting as a representative of Louisville, made a $100,000 impermissible recruiting offer to the family of prospect Brian Bowen. 

Also, assistant coaches Jordan Fair and Kenny Johnson were charged with unethical conduct for offering money to people associated with basketball recruits.

The Level Two charges include impermissible contact — not monitoring recruitment properly — and former head coach Rick Pitino was charged with failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance. 

University President Neeli Bendapudi and Vice President of Athletics, Vince Tyra said the school would fight the charges that are not factually accurate.

Current basketball coach Chris Mack released a statement saying he is confident in the University and its plans to fight back. 

“Since arriving at Louisville, I have seen up close the incredible changes that have taken place under the leadership of President Bendapudi and Director of Athletics Vince Tyra in our university and in our athletics department. The shared values and commitment to integrity is evident in their actions and has always been demanded in the programs that my staff and I have led. While I understand the allegations brought today, I am confident that the University will do what is right, which includes fighting back on those charges that we simply do not agree with, and for which the facts do not substantiate. The future is bright for Cardinal Basketball. Our focus will continue to be on our tremendous student-athletes.”

Tyra says he does not expect this to be over with before the 2021 basketball tournament next March. When asked if Louisville would self-impose any penalties, both Tyra and Bendapudi said no they would not.