As many of you know by now, a decision has been made by A.D. Tom Jurich in regards to the situation regarding Recruiter and D-Line Coach Clint Hurtt. That decision was to retain his services. I for one am happy that we get to keep this man on staff at Louisville. The things he does for these young kids on and off the field are amazing. Each of the players I talked to have mentioned he is like a father to them. I do understand that some of you may not agree with me however I am entitled to my opinion. I firmly believe if there was even one thing that the AD seen that made him think that Mr Hurtt was bad for business here that he would have terminated him today. If you trust in Tom Jurich to do the right thing by now then I don’t know that you ever will. He has done too much to build up our sports program to have anything tear it down. Here is the official statement released around 1:55 pm to the media:
Statement from Tom Jurich, University of Louisville Vice President and Director of Athletics
The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions today issued its infractions report concerning the University of Miami, and the University of Louisville now knows the resolution of the allegations concerning our Assistant Football Coach Clint Hurtt. In its report, the Committee on Infractions acknowledged the seriousness exhibited by Louisville in this matter and accepted the significant penalties placed upon Clint by me.
Throughout the Miami inquiry, even though Louisville had limited knowledge of all the facts in the case, I was troubled by the involvement of Clint in any possible allegations. As a result, I undertook several actions based upon this knowledge, including expressing my concern to him about his possible previous and any future involvement in violations, undertaking additional monitoring and educational activities of him, and imposing penalties upon him based at least on his acknowledged involvement in some violations. Once the Notice of Allegations was issued, we had additional conversations about additional possible penalties. These were subsequently imposed and remain in effect.
I thank the Committee on Infractions for its acknowledgment that Louisville took this issue seriously and imposed significant penalties upon Clint that impacted our overall football program. I believe this was a factor in the Committee’s willingness to accept the institution’s further proposed actions that will be imposed upon Clint.
NCAA compliance is of utmost importance to the University and me. Clint understands that importance, and I believe he recently has acted appropriately in his activities involving Louisville’s football program. Clint’s penalties will continue throughout this academic year, and the institution will continue to ensure that he remains “a model citizen” within the football program. Clint’s actions in the Miami case were significant, and any similar activities here will not be tolerated; however, he has willingly accepted the significant penalties opposed upon him by Louisville and those adopted by the Committee on Infractions. I’ve had four years watch Clint and his actions at UofL.
Clint has learned much from this experience and, as a result, is aware of his responsibilities to his profession, to Coach Strong, and the University. While we anticipate his continued “model citizen” approach toward NCAA compliance will continue, his penalties will remain in effect.
