The corruption scandal that has rocked the NCAA and University of Louisville basketball claimed two more victims Friday.
Louisville interim athletic director Vince Tyra announced via a statement that associate coach Kenny Johnson and assistant coach Jordan Fair have been placed on paid administrative leave as the FBI continues its investigation into the alleged incidents.
“We are in the process of executing our due diligence as it relates to an ongoing investigation and feel that this an appropriate step at this time,” interim athletic director Vince Tyra said (via Courier-Journal.com). “Our university will continue to fully cooperate with federal authorities in their investigation.”
In a related move, Tyra announced that acting head coach David Padgett has added three temporary assistant coaches to his staff to help operate the team. Joining the staff are director of basketball operations Michael Bowden, video coordinator Logan Baumann and graduate assistant RJ Evans. Padgett had been the only coach allowed on the court for the first week of practice, as Fair and Johnson were still employed by the university but not active with the team.
Basketball coach Rick Pitino has already been placed on unpaid leave and athletics director Tom Jurich has been put on paid leave. Earlier this week Interim Louisville president Greg Postel announced the university would pursue firing Pitino for "just cause," but some heavy hitters among Louisville alumni and supporters are asking that Jurich be brought back, according to the Courier-Journal.
The FBI is investigating charges of wire fraud and money laundering in an alleged "pay-for-play" scheme that involves several NCAA basketball programs. Ten people have already been arrested in connection with the probe, including assistant or associate coaches from Oklahoma State, Auburn, Arizona and the University of Southern California.
A federal complaint alleges Adidas executive Jim Gatto and unnamed coaches at Louisville — termed "University 6" in the complaint — conspired to pay two recruits to attend the school. According to the FBI, Gatto conspired with the coaches to deliver $100,000 to Louisville recruit Brian Bowen's family just days before he committed to Louisville.
Louisville has suspended Bowen. ESPN reported earlier this week that Bowen's family has retained an attorney in the case.
