By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Rick Pitino and Adidas have reached an agreement to settle the federal lawsuit that the coach filed against the apparel company in October 2017.
Terms of the settlement were not announced, but the two sides issued a joint statement that acknowledged the issues had been settled:
“Adidas and Coach Pitino have entered into a confidential settlement agreement resolving all matters between them. Over sixteen years working with Adidas, Coach Pitino demonstrated his passion for the game of basketball and his commitment to excellence both on and off the court. We wish Coach Pitino the best in his new role as head coach of Panathinaikos, the Greek national team and any future endeavors.”
Pitino filed suit contending the company “knowingly and recklessly caused him emotional distress when its employees conspired to bribe University of Louisville basketball recruits.”
The bribery allegation came to light during a federal investigation into college basketball when two Adidas employees and a sports agent were linked to a plan to pay Michigan high schooler Brian Bowen’s family $100,000 in exchange for his commitment.
The lawsuit was initially dismissed by a federal judge who ruled that the two sides must settle the case in arbitration.
Pitino also sued the university for breach of contract, seeking the money still owed to him. The two sides settled in September resulting in Louisville agreeing to call the coach’s exit a resignation instead of a firing. Pitino didn’t receive any money.