Pitino Responds to Comments From High School Coach
December 16, 2004 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 16, 2004
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino today responded to derogatory comments made by a high school coach over Wednesday's dismissal of freshman forward Terrance Farley.
Pleasure Ridge Park Coach Dale Mabrey had sent a letter to media representatives attacking Pitino for the action, but has since apologized for the comments and overreacting to the situation.
"I appreciate the loyalty a high school coach has for his player," said Pitino. "I can forgive him (Mabrey) for that. I will forgive him for it because it's an attack on me. I will certainly let my record of 31 years of caring for young people speak for itself. I take great pride in that. I don't budge on certain things and won't be compromised with the principles that are put forth and what I believe in with our basketball team. This was an emotional coach reacting. He was wrong in the situation, but I've been wrong plenty of times in my life, so I'm not going to throw any stones."
"I spoke with Terrance's mother and she is in total agreement with everything I have done. I told her 'ma'am, if he would have come to me and was apologetic for what happened, after some consequences, I would have reinstated him.' And I still may."
"Terrance is a quality person. We have extremely high standards for this program -- how we act as people, how we act as players and in the total commitment we have on and off the court. This has been compromised by Terrance."
Farley was dismissed Dec. 15 for a violation of team rules. A 6-10 reserve from Pleasure Ridge Park High School in Louisville, Farley had seen six minutes of action in two games this season.
