The University of Louisville announced that their men’s basketball head coach, Chris Mack, will be suspended without pay for the first six games of the upcoming season, per release.
Mack’s suspension is a result of his involvement in the extortion case of former Cardinals assistant Dino Gaudio. While he was a victim of the accused crimes, the school found that Coach Mack failed to adhere to “University guidelines, policies, and procedures in handling the matter.”
The suspension will run from Nov. 8 through Nov. 27, during which Mack will not be allowed to contact any student-athletes or staff associated with the team. While their official schedule has not yet been released, the school has confirmed certain games during the opening parts of the season. Mack will be unavailable for six non-conference games, which will include two games during the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship.
Since he will be suspended without pay, Mack will forfeit over $200,000 during the life of the discipline.
Gaudio pled guilty to federal extortion and entered into a plea deal on June 4. His contract was not renewed by Mack after the 2020-21 season after the team did not make the NCAA Tournament and going 13-7. Gaudio was charged with Interstate Communication with Intent to Extort, with a maximum charge of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ probation. He will be sentenced on Aug. 27.
Cullinane Portfolio 