In a motion filed in the Western District of Kentucky, Adidas asked a federal judge to dismiss former University of Louisville men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino’s civil lawsuit against the company.
As reported, Pitino, who was fired as Louisville’s head coach amid a college recruiting scandal, on October 18, filed a lawsuit against Adidas, claiming Adidas “outrageously conspired” to bribe recruits and he had no idea Adidas was involved in the recruiting violations.
According to WDRB.com, Adidas said in its motion that Pitino was “both aware and supported the scheme” to funnel money to recruits.
“The evidence cited by Adidas against Pitino from the complaint includes allegations that the former coach was asked to call an Adidas executive, James Gatto, to get more funding for a recruit. And the company points out that Pitino allegedly called Gatto three times before the recruit announced his commitment,” according to the report.
Adidas contends that Kentucky law “does not permit an unindicted co-conspirator” to recover damages, and the company cites the criminal complaint as indicating Pitino was involved.
Adidas terminated its personal services contract with Pitino on the same day he was fired by Louisville.
