Louisville votes to fire Pitino amid corruption scandal

Rick Pitino is officially out at Louisville.

The University of Louisville Athletic Association has voted to terminate the basketball coach for cause.

The decision was an expected formality after the board began the process of dismissing Pitino earlier this month. The Hall of Fame coach has been implicated in one of the worst corruption scandals to hit college basketball, including allegations he funneled $100,000 in cash from Adidas to recruit Brian Bowen - something he vehemently denies.

Related: Lawyer says Pitino passed lie detector test about Bowen bribe

It's a sad ending for a bench boss who'd brought glory back to the Cardinals program. Pitino compiled a 415-141 record in 16 seasons as coach, winning the 2013 national championship. However, a separate scandal involving escorts and players could still officially vacate that title.

The dismissal likely means Louisville will refuse to pay Pitino a $44 million severance package.