Surreal scene as classy opponents console 'devastated' Louisville seniors over playoff ban
Reaction after Louisville's self-imposed postseason ban announced Friday amid an ongoing investigation into prostitution allegations among players and recruits has been strong -- and some would argue over the top.
In a photo at Louisville's KFC Yum! Center, one fan even even taped over the face of Andre McGee, the assistant coach and former player who has resigned after being directly linked to the scandal.
What seems universally agreed upon: The major victims of this scandal and the punishment head coach Rick Pitino calls "as harsh as anything I've ever seen in college basketball" are Cardinals seniors Damion Lee and Trey Lewis, graduate school transfers and the team's leading scorers.
This effectively — and unfairly — ends the college postseason careers for the pair, despite the Cardinals ranking No. 19 in the latest AP poll and looking poised for another NCAA tournament trip next month.
Pitino said the players cried upon hearing the news Friday. The entire team backed the senior duo while addressing the media Friday night in a sad scene.
Damion Lee and Trey Lewis meet with the press with their teammates behind them. pic.twitter.com/5DO5nqZtY6
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer_cj) February 5, 2016
With emotions raw, the Cardinals hosted ACC opponents Boston College Saturday. And during pregame introductions, even Eagles opponents joined the home Louisville crowd in a surreal, standing ovation for the senior pair whose NCAA tourney dreams have ended prematurely.
Huge applause for one of the Senior transfers, Trey Lewis. He no longer has a chance for postseason play. @WHAS11 pic.twitter.com/fbUulTqeHG
— Tabnie L. Dozier (@WHAS11Tabnie) February 6, 2016
Here's some applause right back at you, Boston College.
(h/t College Spun)
