NCAA Bylaw 10.1 covers “unethical conduct by a prospective or enrolled student-athlete or a current or former institutional staff member.” Staff members include coaches, professors, tutors, etc. Alleged violations by current University of Louisville defensive line coach/associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Clint Hurtt could affect the future of Cardinal football.
When the Notice of Allegations is delivered, sources close to the investigation say that the NCAA plans on throwing the book at Hurtt in regards to the scandal involving Nevin Shapiro while Hurtt coached at the University of Miami.
Right now Shapiro sits in prison serving a 20 year sentence as the result of a $930 million ponzi scheme. When he was a Miami football booster, he says he engaged in extensive NCAA violations. He’s alleged to have given cash, goods and prostitutes among other things even more unseemly.
In addition to the charges lobbied by Shapiro, other student athletes have made other violation allegations against Hurtt and another former Miami assistant, Aubrey Hill. Charges so far include unallowable transportation, impermissible lodging and improper benefits. Shapiro also said he gave Hurtt a $5000 non-interest loan which is also a rules violation.
The scandal goes beyond football. Once the notice is served to those involved, including Hurtt and Hill as well as former Miami (and current Missouri) basketball coach Frank Haith and several former Haith assistants, they have 90 days to respond in writing. Then they appear before the Committee on Infractions in the summer. The penalty phase could take 4 to 6 months, which will drag through the football season, perhaps a season on the brink for the Louisville Cardinals.
The University of Louisville is not involved directly with the charges and the school is not under investigation. Nevertheless, how will this shake the Sugar Bowl champions? As the associate head coach, Hurtt makes important decision for head man Charlie Strong. Hurtt was also responsible for bringing potential Heisman Trophy candidate Teddy Bridgewater to Louisville. Will that cause consternation for the usually unflappable quarterback?
And how does this play into a season where the Cardinals are expected to begin their campaign ranked in the top 15 and possibly the top 10? It looks like the last year of real competition in the Big East just got more interesting.
