REUTERS/Jeff Haynes
The NCAA ruled Tuesday that the University of Louisville men’s basketball team must vacate its 2013 national championship and 2012 Final Four appearance. The decision came after the league’s governing body denied the school’s appeals against what it called “draconian penalties” over allegations that the team arranged for strippers to entertain players and new recruits. This marks the first time an NCAA Division I men’s basketball team will be forced to vacate a national title in the Final Four era. “I cannot say this strongly enough: We believe the NCAA is simply wrong," Louisville’s interim president Greg Postel said. "While we disagree with the NCAA's decision, it is time for the university to close this chapter and move forward with a stronger commitment to excellence on and off the court." The investigation centered around allegations made in a book by “former escort” Katina Powell, which claimed that former Louisville team staffer Andre McGee paid her $10,000 for 22 shows in the college dorms.