Report: Five former Louisville players confirm book's allegations
For weeks, former Louisville players have denied accusations made in the book, "Breaking Cardinal Rules: Basketball and the Escort Queen." But on Tuesday, John Barr and Jeff Goodman of ESPN published a report in which five former Louisville players and recruits confirmed Katina Powell's claims that she was paid by former Louisville staff member Andre McGee to provide strippers for recruits and players at private parties in Billy Minardi Hall.
"I knew they weren't college girls. It was crazy. It was like I was in a strip club," one former Louisville recruit told ESPN.
Outside the Lines also stated that it was able to confirm text messages and wire transfers between Powell and McGee.
In an on camera interview with Barr, Powell recalls a conversation she had with McGee, asking him if Rick Pitino was aware of the on-campus parties.
"I said, 'Does Pitino know about this?' And he said, 'He's Rick. He knows about everything,'" Powell said.
In a press conference on Oct. 2, Pitino said he talked to 15-20 former players, coaches and staff members. None of them claimed to have knowledge of these parties. Pitino also said he had spoken to McGee, who he said denied the allegations. McGee, now an assistant at Missouri-Kansas City, has been put on administrative leave with pay.
Louisville is currently conducting any investigation and will not comment on Outside the Line's report.
