Congress Wants Briefs From NCAA, Sports Companies On Scandal

Members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee are "seeking a briefing from the NCAA and 'any sports companies caught up' with the fraud and corruption scandal that has rocked college basketball this week." U.S. Reps Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) made the joint announcement yesterday. The committee said that it is "not seeking any additional information from law enforcement at this point" (ESPN.com, 9/28).

Meanwhile, Rick Pitino is described as "Coach 2" in the FBI's investigation, making him a "central figure in the recruitment sting operation," according to a source. The revelation reinforces the Louisville athletic department's "deep ties to Adidas," and it "likely allows the university to fire Pitino" without paying the $46M remaining on his contract. Pitino on Wednesday was placed on administrative leave (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 9/29).