As explained back in October, the University of Louisville’s decision to fire Rick Pitino “for just cause” set the table for the 65-year-old former New York Knicks and Boston Celtics head coach to sue the school for breach of contract. A “just cause” firing is one where the employee is believed to have engaged in such serious misconduct that the employer is relieved of any obligation to pay the remainder of the contract. For Pitino, the remaining money on his deal is worth approximately $4.3 million a year through 2026, or about $38.7 million total.
On Thursday, Pitino took his first step towards attempting to reclaim that money—and it is not a step without risk.