Pitino expects to be vindicated in corruption scandal

Rick Pitino maintains he's innocent and, as such, expects to be exonerated.

The Louisville head coach was placed on an unpaid administrative leave Wednesday after news surfaced that his program was under FBI investigation for allegedly paying recruits.

Though he's consistently denied any wrongdoing, Pitino issued a statement Saturday in which he apologizes to friends and fans for the disappointment. The following day, the 65-year-old revealed he's leaving town for good, and plans to keep a low profile while the legal process unfolds.

"Right now it's in the lawyers' hands," Pitino told Courier-Journal's Jeff Greer on Sunday. "I went to Miami. I'm selling my house (in Louisville). I love David Padgett. I love the boys. I hope they win the national championship. I'm not doing anything but laying low."

The Hall of Famer has been accused of discussing a sponsorship deal with Adidas for a recruit, who's believed to be five-star freshman Brian Bowen. Pitino said he had "(zero) to do with any of it and (will) be vindicated."

Louisville named assistant coach David Padgett as his interim replacement.