Pay up: Rick Pitino sues Louisville for millions after alleged breach of contract

Former Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino sued the university's Athletic Association for $37.6 million, claiming his contract was breached and that he was fired with no justified cause.

The school dismissed Pitino in October in wake of the FBI investigation into bribery and fraud in college basketball.

Pitino insists he wasn't aware of a payment made to the family of impact recruit Brian Bowen in exchange for Bowen choosing to play at Louisville. The university recently announced that Bowen won't be allowed to play for the Cardinals and is free to transfer.

"(Pitino) had no part whatsoever in any scheme to pay the family of a UL recruit, or to otherwise improperly provide benefits to any recruit, as an inducement to join the basketball program," said Steve Pence, Pitino's lawyer, in a statement.

Pitino is requesting $4.3 million a year -- the value of his contract -- from the date of the school's last payment to him through June, 2026.

A school spokesman acknowledged the university is aware of the lawsuit but declined comment per university policy.

Pitino, 65, was 416-143 in 16 seasons as Louisville head coach and is in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame with 770 career victories. He guided the Cardinals to a national championship in 2013 and won another with Kentucky in 1996.