Louisville receives notice of allegations, Pitino faces Level II violation

Louisville received a notice of allegations from the NCAA pertaining to its men's basketball program, the school announced Monday.

The Cardinals face allegations of one Level I violation - the most severe type of infraction under NCAA rules - and three Level II violations. Former head coach Rick Pitino also faces an allegation of a Level II violation for failing to "promote an atmosphere of compliance."

The NCAA's investigation stems from Louisville's recruitment of former five-star prospect Brian Bowen and the Adidas pay-for-play scheme.

"It is important to remember that these are allegations - not facts - and the university will diligently prepare a full and comprehensive response and, absent an unforeseen development, submit it within the prescribed 90-day period," Louisville president Dr. Neeli Bendapudi and vice president and athletics director Vince Tyra said in a joint statement.

Pitino, who recently became Iona's bench boss, could be suspended for up to half the season or not at all, depending on aggravating and mitigating factors, according to The Athletic's Dana O'Neil.

"We are aware of the report," Iona said in a statement, per Forbes' Adam Zagoria. "The NCAA has a process to address the allegations. Prior to hiring Coach Pitino, we conducted extensive due diligence. We support Coach Pitino and expect him to respond within the process."

In his own response, Pitino said he disagrees with the allegation but will have no further comment until it is resolved.

Kansas, Oklahoma State, NC State, USC, and South Carolina have already received notices from the NCAA over the federal probe into recruiting corruption, bribery, and fraud within college basketball.