Louisville suspends head coach Chris Mack for six games

Louisville men’s basketball head coach Chris Mack has been suspended for six games, the university announced on Friday. Mack’s suspension is without pay for failure to follow university guidelines regarding Dino Gaudio’s extortion attempt following last season.

“The University concluded that while Mack was a victim of an extortion attempt by former assistant coach Dino Gaudio, Mack failed to follow University guidelines, policies, and procedures in handling the matter,” Louisville’s statement says. “The sanctions imposed upon Coach Mack are unrelated to the extortion attempt itself and the ongoing NCAA process.”

Louisville athletics director Vince Tyra commented in Louisville’s release. Despite the suspension, Louisville is confident in and believes in Mack moving forward.

“As I have said since the beginning of my tenure, we have high expectations for all of our staff members and coaches and we hold people accountable for their actions,” Tyra said. “While we have made great strides over the last four years in changing the culture in our Department of Athletics, we cannot afford to have any setbacks, no matter how big or small, in our pursuits. I am confident that Coach Mack now understands the impact of his actions. We all have confidence in him moving forward. I am grateful for the partnership and supper of President Bendapudi in this matter.”

Mack is must not have any contact with Louisville’s program during his suspension

The suspension will last through most of November and will cost Mack around $221,000, according to Louisville’s release

“The suspension is from November 8th through November 27th and covers six non-conference games, including two games in the Bahamas. During the suspension, Coach Mack is prohibited from having any contact with the men’s basketball coaching staff or student-athletes. As the suspension is without pay, Coach Mack will forfeit approximately $221,000 in compensation.”

Gaudio was let go after last season for trying to extort Louisville. He pleaded guilty to attempting to get 17 months of salary in exchange for remaining silent on potential NCAA violations that have occurred within the program. The situation is still an ongoing NCAA investigation.

Who will take over in Mack’s absence is currently unknown. It appears that Mack will return to the court ahead of Louisville, December 1st matchup at Michigan State.

Louisville’s 13-7 record last season kept them out of the NCAA tournament.